Recreating variations with existing themes is as much a part of Toby Zack Designs as is designing new homes. When she stepped foot into this majestic residence, it was love at first sight. Classic modern architecture made Zack's vision for the home crystal clear; transform this 1970's home into something classic and modern while keeping the original distinct architectural characteristics.
The 7,000 to 8,000 sq ft home is owned by a relatively young couple who also owns an apartment in New York City. Toby said working with this couple was fabulous, "they have a clear understanding about design and they listened to my views, understood my sense of design, and trusted me". The first transformation of the residence came when architect Peter Bliztein opened up the ceiling in the main living area. The imposing skylight is perhaps the most dramatic focal point of the home setting the stage for virtually everything that was to follow. Bliztein also incorporated features into the fireplace as well as other architectural details throughout the home. Other than that, Zack was left to her own design ideas.
When Zack began, the house was close to empty. And while her mission was to transform this large home into a variety of entertainment areas, this was not to be an exercise in filling the volumes of space with as much furniture as possible, but rather, to procure or design select, important pieces and proportion them properly. Zack admits that the project was a challenge. "Every room was so expansive". She said "Since I didn't want to overdo any of the rooms more than it was needed, I had to rely on making proportions exact.
Finding oversized furnishing was nearly impossible, and this is where my custom fabrication capabilities came in. If I couldn't find an item of the right size I could make it. The living room setting is a prime example of this. Zack custom designed the two seating areas with chenille sofas that have a 40 inch depth instead of the usual 35. In keeping with the long linear soffits she kept the furniture low and sleek. In contrast to the original keystone walls and travertine floor, I used an African wenge wood for the club chairs and sofa tables.
From the living room looking toward the foyer, you can see a Catherine Memmi table from Paris. According to Zack, this is one of the line's first pieces introduced in the Florida market. The Master suite is another example of Zack's minimalistic approach to the design of this large home. Crisp fabrics and immaculate lines define the luxury of this large suite. Zack custom designed the foot bench to meet her oversized needs. Toby took the opportunity to introduce that Florida feel by adding two wicker occasional chairs and ottomans. Underlining the entire space and the neutral pallet is a black and came tweed carpet.
"There's no mystery to this house. It's simply good, clean, classic contemporary design, it's a great look with so many details" In the dining room, Zack took an unusual approach when contemplating the dining room table. Instead of using one large table to fill the space, she used two 5 foot square tables which combined can easily seat 16 people. Zack says "this also creates two intimate dining areas in the same room, which is an increasingly growing trend in formal dining today". To warm up the heart of the home, the kitchen hosts a vast selection of rich maple cabinetry and absolute black granite counters, accompanied by leather barstools.
When walking into the home you get this museum like feel, yet invites guests and its owners to relax and enjoy the openness. It's a love affair indeed, a classic contemporary home designed to fit.
SOURCES
Foyer/Living Room Area
Table: Catherine Memmi, Paris, France
Sofas and tables: The Toby Collection; Ft. Lauderdale
Lounge Chairs/Cocktail Table: Christian Liaigre from Holly Hunt Miami; Miami
Side Tables: Billy Baldwin; Ventry, NY, NY
Ceiling: Designed by Blitstein Design Associates; Coral Gables
Dining Room Area
Table: The Toby Collection; Ft. Lauderdale
Chairs: Carriage House; DCOTA, Dania Beach
Buffet and server: custom designed by Blitstein Design Assoc.; Coral Gables
Family Room
Sofa and Club Chairs: A. Rudin, J. Batchelor , DCOTA, Dania Beach
Cocktail and game tables: Phillippe Hurel,
J. Batchelor, DCOTA, Dania Beach
Side Tables: Brueton, EG Cody, DCOTA,
Dania Beach
Chairs: Dakota Jackson, Pranich & Assoc. DCOTA, Dania Beach
Master Bedroom
Lounge Chairs and Ottomans: McGuire, Baker Knapp & Tubbs, DCOTA, Dania Beach
Bench: Custom designed by Le Jeune Upholstery, Miami
Throughout
Artwork and accessories: Owner’s Collection
Area Rugs: American Custom Rugs, Ft. Lauderdale