The estate is set in several acres of land with ancient trees and graceful green space, providing a natural setting for what would turn into their dream home. Drawing inspiration from the different architectural forms of a farm, the couple envisioned creating a design that would marry sophistication with comfort. Morrison-who had worked with them on previous projects-fell in line with the couple’s preference to have rustic sensibilities play with the modern clean lines.
“When you think about a working farm, you see buildings with different shapes, often arranged in a loose formation. We wanted to bring that feel to the home, while still maintaining a sense of cohesion,” the celebrity says, reflecting on the influence farmhouse architecture had on their project. Hence, the result? A sequence of stage-managed buildings connected yet each boasting a unique personality.
Construction of the building further articulates differences in elevation and intimacy, with one major actor being the round stairway providing show-stopping connections between two levels of the building. The stairway functions practically as a visual anchor to displace interest and drama into separation among the diverse architectural masses. On the other hand, an assertive limestone skin juxtaposed boldly against the earthy, untamed beauty of the stone sculpted by the human hand was the desire of Morrison’s team, giving in the utmost detail to a poetic notion. “We wanted it to look like it had been part of the land for centuries,” they recall.
With entertaining high on their list of priorities, the interiors of this couple’s home somehow integrate into nature. With the open living space enjoying vistas across a large terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows serve as hoists. Deep mounting-slide-doors in steel are a striking contemporary touch, and when opened, they give a room that can come center stage when entertaining. All that is left is to gather with friends on cool nights around the warmth of a massive outdoor fireplace, where piñon wood gently sends whispers through the air.
Inside, the couple wanted to impart an ambiance where simplicity meets luxury. “Black became our signature color throughout the home,” the celebrity explains: “it’s timeless, chic, and grounding. Plus, it’s a hue that can bring out the warmth in materials, from stone to wood.” In conjunction with the fine black granite floors, the couple chose weathered gray wood tones for the furniture and accents-an other material that has a sense of the old and artisanal craftsmanship.
The walls painted in rich tones from a Belgian paint company have their lustrous treatment, whereby the essence sounds almost stone-like and builds a serene mood within the confines of the house. “We didn’t want anything too bright. Every wall has a subtle warmth that feels like stone,” says the celebrity.
One of the most striking elements of the home is how art greatly helps the space. A personal collection of modernis sculptures and paintings of the celebrity couple becomes the heart of the home design. Very notable sculpture works by some reputed NYC sculptors take the stage in the living areas, adding another layer of depth and interest. “We love art that challenges the viewer, makes them think. Whether it evokes positive or negative emotions, it should always start a conversation,” they reflect.
This general philosophy of purposeful pipe dreaming extends into the home design-they wouldn’t accept considerations of anything as simply decorative. Everything is selected because it carries with it an aesthetic and an emotional response, from sculpture-like furniture to lighting. One giant sculpture by a famous contemporary artist was too large for the original ceiling height. Instead of relegating it to rejection, the couple raised the ceiling intentionally, so this sculpture would naturally fit within the space.
Their dedication to creating open and inviting atmospheres is further illustrated by that biophilic outlook. The house seamlessly interweaves both realms of indoor and outdoor living, from large windows bringing in natural light to expansive outdoor entertaining spaces perfect for large gatherings or quiet solitary moments.
The resulting home is about an extension of its setting-inspiring awe and curiosity yet grounded in nature and thoughtful design. The couple realized that fusing the modern and rustic combines to cement even stronger against all odds, proving that truly powerful homes are those that counterbalance the old with the new-all the while creating spaces lively enough that the people living within them are forever transforming them.
This is, for this celebrity couple and many others who consider bringing their creative ideas into life, a celebration of the power of design to alter-the space in between art, architecture, and living design.