When one steps foot in your home as a guest, what feeling and mood do you wish to impart on them? This question was the starting point for this apartment of a young entrepreneur couple. They entertain often, and thus had specific needs to create a home that is also used for this purpose. Inclusion and ease, metaphorically and practically speaking, are key to creating a space that makes having guests and organizing gatherings, to become something pleasurable for both the host and one coming into your personal home. The contemporary seating options chosen for the communal sitting areas are mostly of Italian contemporary manufacturing, and their forms with low backrests, invite visitors to relax in conversation and enjoy their surroundings and company. Immediately in sight, when entering from the exterior, a Flexform Dragonfly bench was placed to receive guests, as well as a custom mirror full length mirror designed by Gregory. The walls in this area, made of bronze sheets, with cutout spaces for niche shelving, have been finished to take on a soothing earthy shade. Whimsical ceramic vases are placed inside of the recessed areas by post modern designer Martine Bedin and industrial designer Marc Newson; while a pair of striking polished bronze sculptures by Phillippe Jean and Fred Brouard have been placed on top of a dividing countertop, made of the same bronze sheets adorning the walls. Arik Levy’s multifaceted Black Brass Rocks are like stepping stones from one area to another, as they are matched with a mid century nordic Falcon chair by Sigurd Ressel, easing guests into another zone where a creamy Serpentine Sofa made by Vladimir Kagan sits. A more formal seating area is adorned by two “Pompeii” armchairs from the 1970s by Alberto Orlandi which come from Gallerie Gastou, mixed with an elegant bronze Fred Brouard Low Table. The dining room and bar area, which are always the cornerstone of entertaining, are decorated with a mix of diverse sculptures that are placed upon a shelving system and polished stainless steel bar designed by Gregory. The dining room table uses the same stainless steel material as the bar, and is also custom made by Gregory. The “Fragile Future Chandelier” by Studio Drift, created from harvested dandelion heads applied to LED lights and powered by bronze circuits with no wiring used; is a conversation starter in itself and is a highlight of the client’s design collection. The artist Peter Zimmermann was commissioned to create the colorful glass walls that separate the dining area from the client’s wine cellar, which is in easy reach from the eating area.
Beirut, 2013