Best Estate Winners: En Masse Architecture and Design, Windsor Builders, Callahan Interiors, RootBound
En Masse Architecture and Design crafts a warm, welcoming getaway for a multigenerational family.
Landscaping studio RootBound ensured that the grounds of the estate are as handsome as the home itself.
The boot room features Nero Marquina tumbled floor tile as well as paneling painted in Oil Cloth by Benjamin Moore.
In the kitchen, The Urban Electric Company’s Chiltern Quad fixture hangs above an inviting island topped with Statuario honed marble and encircled by Lemans stools from Ballard Designs.
The Project
Discovered on social media and contacted by a client looking to create a northwest Indiana getaway for their multigenerational family, the team at En Masse Architecture and Design set to work. “The first priority of the project was to create a home that reflected the clients, their interests, and values,” says En Masse founding partner Mike Shively, who helmed the project alongside studio partner and design director Lucas Goldbach with assistance from project architect Ross Renjilian. “This warm and charming family sought a country retreat to connect and to escape the city. The design needed to accommodate solo weekends for the matriarch and patriarch as well as their children and grandchildren in equal measure.”
A swing bed from Imagine Home with mattress cover by Urban Workroom in Schumacher’s Formentera fabric adds a touch of whimsy to the sunroom.
The Challenge
Says Goldbach, “This project was a fairly substantial renovation, but the main challenge was telling the story of a relatively new house that wants to have a sense of history and legacy. The design embraced some of the quirks of the original layout and solved issues with the aesthetic and floorplan. Layers of plaster, trim, wood, stone and other finish materials were carefully calibrated by the collaborative design team to craft something that told a story, which is not an easy task.”
A custom banquette by Recovered Interior pairs with Rae round pedestal bistro tables from Pottery Barn and Romantica chairs from Sika-Design to create a charming sitting area within the kitchen.
The dining room charms with a vintage Murano glass chandelier sourced from Chairish; Chrysanthemum wallpaper in pink, yellow and green by Morris & Co.; custom dining table from Etsy; and Silverlake Rush chairs from Hollywood at Home upholstered in Brunschwig & Fils Autun mohair velvet in Periwinkle fabric. Home styling by Cate Ragan
The Details
“There was a lot of discussion of making this home ‘heirloom quality,’” notes Shively, “and I think this set an intention for all parties. The pride and workmanship of certain spaces is spectacular. The details in the main entry hall—the home’s first impression—show off that commitment to quality detail. And the meticulously planned ‘random’ width wall panels integrate closets, align to sconces, and conceal doors while providing a pastoral sophistication.” Adds Goldbach, “The layout of the kitchen and breakfast area also reflect how these specific clients like to use this specific house. The kitchen has a large island built for groups, preparing meals and setting the grandkids up in high chairs. While not open to a great room, the space takes on a lounge atmosphere with the addition of a deep window seat banquette and a series of cafe tables. The feeling of the space is that it is a room with a kitchen in it rather than an everyday kitchen space. The atmosphere is comfortable and convivial.”
The sunny formal powder room features a Barton sconce by Hudson Valley Lighting, custom bun foot console in unlacquered brass by Palmer Industries and window coverings by Urban Workroom in Schumacher’s Borealis check in Champagne.
The Outcome
Sums up Shively, “The client finds such peace and connection with their family at this property. The spaces were designed with making connections in mind, and that has been their experience. They use the property as a place to create memories and see it as a legacy to their family and the time they get to spend together. The house flexes and contracts with whoever is there and can be comfortable for big family holidays or an intimate weekend together.”
Design Details
Type
Estate
Location
La Porte, Ind.
Architecture
En Masse Architecture and Design
designenmasse.com
Builders
Windsor Builders
windsor-builders.com
Landscape Architecture
RootBound
rootbound.com
Interiors
Callahan Interiors
callahaninteriors.com
Millwork
Paoli Woodwork Inc.
paoliwoodwork.com
Painting
Estrada Quality Painting Inc.
773.593.8385
Resources
Farrow & Ball
Paint throughout
farrow-ball.com
House of Rohl
Various plumbing fixtures
houseofrohl.com
Lee Industries
Various furniture
leeindustries.com
Morris & Co.
Wallpaper in dining room and sunroom
morrisandco.com
Schumacher
Various fabrics
schumacher.com
Urban Workroom
Fabrication of window coverings throughout
urbanworkroom.com
Vaughan Designs
Various lighting
vaughandesigns.com
