GENTLEMAN'S RETREAT
KITCHEN DESIGNS BY KEN KELLY AND CARTER SAMAIN INTERIORS
When designers and siblings Mario Mulea of Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly and Esther Carter Samain of Carter Samain Interiors first saw this room they knew it was the one. Last updated in the 1980's to look like an old fashioned ice cream parlor, this space now needed to function in a new century, for a new type of client, and with a very clear cut point of view.
While many of the other spaces in this year's Mansions and Millionaires Designers Showcase were of a grand scale, this space is much more intimate. Connected to the adjacent library and salon, it offers a wet bar on the opposite side of the house from the main kitchen. It is the perfect space for one or for entertaining a few, a true haven for the man of the house.
The designers viewed this space as something more classic with a modern twist. The focal point of the room is the custom Vintage Slate cabinetry and fireplace surround by Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, and it was the inspiration for the fabrics, colors and finishes chosen, including Philip Gorrivan for Highland Court from Duralee. Deep and saturated colors from Benjamin Moore Aura collection in charcoal grey and rust gave the room and intimate, comforting feeling.
Careful attention was paid to detail including incorporating the central motif of the main staircase railing into custom leaded mirror panels, created by artist Tricia Somers of Somers Stained Glass, above the bar. Mulea and Samain paired classic menswear fabric with more contemporary ones and used a variety of textures to create a warm, inviting, and relaxing space.
Traditional wing-style chairs were slimmed down and dressed up in a vertical stripe fabric and paired with wool herringbone for a fresh take on an old classic.
Akke Functional Art created a one-of-a-kind desk called "By A String" as it was fashioned from stainless steel staircase stringers, live edge oak, walnut inlays and stacked exotic woods incased in steel to support this masterpiece.
A bar counter top and fireplace hearth of Bianco Carrara from Nicola Design Studio was paired with custom Carrara and French Limestone backsplash tile in a hexagon mosaic and New York Lucky Stone paired with stainless steel make up the fireplace surround, both by Fiorano Tile Gallery.
A pair of rustic iron wall sconces from The Lighting Gallery draw attention to the focal point of the fireplace wall - a painting entitled "Sunset on Long Island" by acclaimed artist Ed Zacharewicz.
The Gentleman's Retreat, complete with a SubZero wine storage unit, is the perfect place to read, catch up on email, enjoy a cocktail, play a game of chess or plan your very next adventure.
Mario Mulea and Esther Carter Samain won the Producer's Award 2011 - for "Most Transformed Space." See more photos and room details at
kitchendesigns.com/blog.
THE LIBRARY
CLASSIC GALLERIES DESIGNS THIS LUXURIOUS BUT USUABLE LIBRARY
We live in a society that allows us to have luxurious things in life. Yet we choose to save them for a more important time, a special occasion. Why? That better time is here. It is today.
This library adheres to the philosophy. The fabrics are luxurious, yet the room is meant to be used. It is a wonderful room to indulge in a favorite pasttime whether it is reading, working on a puzzle or watching an event on TV.
The grand scale of this room gave Classic Galleries the opportunity to showcase plenty of comfortable seating. The two sofas and many of the chairs are casual frames upholstered in formal fabrics that lend the room a casual elegance. The seating arrangement allows for mingling whenentertaining and sections the large room into smaller, more intimate groupings for everyday living. The soft palette of beige and taupe creates a sense of relaxation that makes you feel warm and at home. Although the room exudes elegance, it shouldn't be used only for formal entertaining and special occasions. If it makes you feel good, you should use it. 
Time is something that we don't have enough of. Any opportunity to gather with family and friends is the appropriate time to indulge and enjoy the nice things life has to offer…good company, good conversation and beautiful and luxurious surroundings.
A GRAND PASSION
METROPOLITAN INSTITUTE OF DESIGN CREATES THIS ROOM OF LEISURE
DESIGNERS: ABBY STEIN, TERESA DE PINTO SCUDERO, LILLIAN C. MOREA
"A Grand Passion" is a room that is dedicated to leisure, relaxation and fun. The room welcomes you with painted panels of recreational activities adding whimsy to cabinet doors. The opposite wall highlights vintage rackets that were recycled into reflective, playful wall décor. Inspired by the original homeowners' interest in the America's Cup yacht racing, a large painted mural reflecting their passion was incorporated.
Mixing old world charm with Industrial Chic, a custom fixture adds ambient lighting. A unique game table sits center stage. This focal point was created by using an aquarium base and topping it with a bevel cut glass top that was made custom with a hand etched game board.
New life was given to a pair of chairs that were modernized by the use of bold color fabric and paint. The striped pouf adds mobile seating good for any small space. Added texture underfoot comes from a natural fiber rug that anchors the seating area. A terrarium that normally would house plants instead is used as a bar.
Adding depth to the room, a metallic wall-covering was used at the back of the cabinets. Distressed cabinetry holds trophies, treasures and a myriad of items to admire. Using color, texture and items both old and new creates this warm and inviting space.
