Tucked away
In a gated community on the west side of the Scioto, a homeowner’s beloved art collection is displayed in a refreshing new environment.
A modern light fixture accents the angles apparent in the kitchen's architectural design. On the countertop, the textured surface of honed granite appealed to the homeowner, as the island in her kitchen was redesigned during the renovation process. Hydraulic swivel stools can be raised and lowered to accommodate young grandchildren.
Michael A. Foley/MAF Photography
Tucked away in a tiny, gated community just west of the Scioto River, a new homeowner settled into a quaint, European-inspired neighborhood and then approached her house as a design project that would reflect her utmost desires.
Having completed more than a half dozen such projects through the years, she roamed around Darrons, 1325 W. Lane Ave., looking for items that would refresh her contemporary style. Finally, she appealed to Darrons designer Tamara Amstutz-Roop for assistance and the two ultimately created a fresh look that allowed for the homeowner’s beloved pieces of artwork and long-treasured furnishings to be easily incorporated.
Most importantly, the homeowner thought the artwork that adorns her walls had been in storage too long, while she lived at her last address—a one-story ranch with a sprawling lawn and swimming pool in Upper Arlington where much of her time was spent doing simple maintenance.
Months later, she’s now happy in this cluster community where her expansive art collection is hung, fresh furnishings are interspersed, renovation projects have been completed and she is surrounded by several very dear friends who live nearby. In her spare time, she volunteers, currently with a pet project involving the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio and the Columbus Museum of Art.
At home, though, the traditional European aesthetic of this neighborhood, developed in 2003 by Romanelli and Hughes, gives way to an interior that is modern and light. Taupe-colored walls provide a warm backdrop for works by Salvador Dali (purchased in Soho); abstract artist Robert Wells and artist Randall LaGro, both of Taos, New Mexico, and others.
The soaring great room also provides an opportunity to admire the home’s architecture, with its wrought-iron stair rail reminiscent of another of the homeowner’s earlier residence in Tartan Fields (featured in Columbus Monthly Homes, April 2004 edition). “I am drawn to the openness and height,” says the homeowner.
In the living room, immediate revisions were made when contractor D.L. Atkinson replaced dark cabinetry with white and the fireplace surround was refreshed with sleek limestone. General contractor Ted Mangia & Son Construction oversaw the renovation project.
When it came to furnishing the space, the homeowner selected a leather stone-colored sofa with a comfortable chaise, situated near the fireplace. Two nearby chairs were brought from the former residence, while the contemporary look was enhanced with a new modernist glass table and a floor lamp featuring a basket-weave shade upcycled from newspaper.
“I love to incorporate things from the late ’80s and early ’90s,” explains the homeowner. “I’ve always loved contemporary.” Light, wooden floors throughout much of the house were finished with a darker stain, setting off the bold colors and patterns in her modernistic rugs.
The adjacent dining room is less formal, opening directly into the living space. Its round table can expand to oval, accommodating at least 10. But for casual gatherings, the homeowner can easily seat six on the accompanying chairs and bright red banquette. Here, shades of red, blue and gold in the upholstery of antique chairs are ironically duplicated in the modern rug.
The kitchen, directly adjoining the great room, was renovated when the homeowner decided to change the design of the island, creating a flat surface instead of its original two tiers, and then topping it with a dark shade of honed granite, provided by Lind StoneWorks. A cooktop also was incorporated. Modern hydraulic swivel stools at the end of the island can be raised and lowered, easily accommodating young grandchildren. Nearby, a long window bench was installed, providing a comfy seating space for an overflow of visitors and plenty of storage within.
The coziness of the neighborhood lends a secure feeling, but also gives a slight need for privacy. Therefore, the homeowner installed a leaded glass window, done by Chuck Borsari, over the kitchen sink to ensure light.
Even though the homeowner was scaling down, this house provides more than 3,000 square feet of living space, including an efficient master suite and guest suite on the main floor, two guest rooms on the second floor and an additional guest room on the lower level. There are four full baths throughout.
Convenient to the open living space, the master suite has a bed flanked with silver-leafed chests and tall modern lamps that draw attention to the room’s peaked ceiling. An organic wool shag rug covers the wooden floor.
The adjoining master bath incorporates a spacious shower in which the owner artfully integrated subtle glass with travertine tiles. A large art glass window, also done by Borsari, is positioned over the tub.
The homeowner’s library—at the front of the house—is furnished with long-ago-purchased chairs and a new walnut library table. The room’s original wooden shelving was left in place.
The convenient floor plan offers laundry facilities behind a closed door between the kitchen and the master suite. Just steps away, off of the great room, a spacious patio has a bubbling fountain, providing soothing sounds during pleasant weather.
With the renovation of her new dwelling now complete, the homeowner is happy with her surroundings, as well as her new location—a peaceful and protected space that is easily accessible to highways and byways that weave through the city and beyond.
Sherry Beck Paprocki is editor of Columbus Monthly Homes.
