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Glamour and Sophistication
The design of a Lake Forest home combines traditional elements with an edgy twist
Written by Krissa Rossbund
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Amy Ditomasso's "rock-star chic" classification of her home is plenty accurate, but requires an explanation more elaborate than a three-word label. In the Lake Forest, Illinois, home she shares with her husband, John, and two young children, you won't find posters with concert schedules pinned to the walls. There is no prized guitar propped against a music stand, or a furniture plan that shows a special spot for an electric keyboard.
What Amy is describing is a sophisticated design direction that dives into traditional elements with a polite touch and an edgy twist that leaves the expected behind.
"I love classic and elegant things," explains Amy. "But I didn't want our home to appear stodgy. It needed to be young and fresh with a design that went out of the box."
Enter interior designer Kara Mann. Her Web site, where Amy officially became a fan of Mann's work, exhibits a clear and specific look that is daring yet refined. Or is it refined yet daring? Either way, Mann, along with design director Kristin Nelson, rocks the design boat with a gutsy approach that stylizes the traditional architecture of the house with a tension of dramatic, moody tones and glamorous, shimmery surfaces.
"I always want a design that respects classic architecture," explains Mann. "But that friction that exists between classic and modern is what drives me."
The palette of the Ditomassos' home indulges in smoky shades that are neutral but a bit gritty. Take the entry and first- floor hallway, for instance. Covered in taupe, the walls could have easily become a dull moment of visual neutrality, used only as a thread to weave the other rooms together. But Amy, who wanted everything designed and beautiful, saw potential to wow upon entrance. Foyer walls dazzle with a moiré striped wallpaper, and the hallway turns into a tunnel of glamour, with its arched ceiling finished in silver leaf and dotted with diminutive, sparkling crystal chandeliers.
It was important to Amy for the home to have many layers so it would evoke the family's personality, and highly reflective surfaces do that, says Mann. The way they distribute light is different than light from an ordinary flat surface, "so we implemented metallics as much as possible," she says.
In the high-style living room, the painted frames of matching settees in front of the fireplace are embellished with silver leaf. Puddling on the floor, the silk drapery panels and Roman shades offer the slightest hint of sheen.
The design of the dining room, where Amy and John host holidays for their extended families, was triggered by a hand-painted wallpaper that Amy discovered in a magazine. Mann used that wallpaper and introduced a tone-on-tone smoky lilac scheme. A silk rug in a textured damask pattern anchors the dining ensemble of klismos chairs with lavender-colored silk cushions and armchairs upholstered in a putty linen. Pleated draperies studded with silver nailheads and a vintage mirrored chandelier add jewelry-like moments to the formal room. The fireplace was given regal status with a silver-leaf surround.
Although the family room is where the young Ditomasso family spends the majority of its time, Amy's vision for the design remained sophisticated and grown-up. Centered on the stone fireplace, furnishings such as the sofa, a pair of armchairs, and a barrel chair with clean lines reveal modern adaptations of traditional design. A round glass table with a contemporary wood base adds airy relief among the grouping of solid-colored upholstered pieces. "I walk past that room at least 20 times a day," says Amy. "It makes me happy to see everything so beautifully put together."
The adjoining kitchen adheres to the neutral palette but forgoes smoky shades for a striking yet quiet contrast of rich wood tones and warm white accents. The stately stone pedestal base of the breakfast table balances the impact of the wood refrigerator and island.
The master bedroom is a dreamy haven of ease and serenity, but its architecture offers some challenges. With its pitched ceiling, the large space required creative solutions so the room would appear filled but uncluttered. Instead of hanging the curtain rod directly above the window casing in the seating area, it was elevated three feet higher to extend the drapery panels so they would break up the expanse of wall space from the window tops to the ceiling. Above the headboard, a wall sculpture of butterflies cut from soda cans was installed. The large grouping adds volume to the wall without too much heft that would compete with the mohair-covered bed.
"I have a special spot in my heart for this place that will be our 'forever' home," Amy says. "It is such a sense of pride to have your design dreams realized every day. We didn't pay attention to practicality, we just wanted a beautiful environment that our family can appreciate."Interior design: Kara Mann and Kristin Nelson, Kara Mann Design, 119 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654; 312/893-7550, karamann.com.
Kitchen design: Susan Skilton, De Giulio Kitchen Design Inc., 1121 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091; 847/256-8833, degiulio.org.Photography: Werner Straube
Produced by Hilary Rose
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The living room features a well-edited assemblage of accessories that contributes to its soothing scheme.
Rug (custom, "Aurora''): Atelier Lapchi, 312/321-0090, lapchi.com.
Coffee table ("Rateau Coffee Table'' #3008): Dessin Fournir, 785/434-2777, dessinfournir.com, trade only.
Upholstered walls (from Summer Hill); ottoman (custom); ottoman fabric (by Kravet); drapery (by Jane Churchill); drapery cording (by Rogers & Goffigon): owner's collection.
Sconces: Vaughan Designs, 212/319-7070, vaughandesigns.com, trade only.
Art above mantel (by Angelo Filomeno): Galerie Lelong, 212/315-0470, galerielelong.com.
Love seats ("Clermont'' #SF9933/Orleans with Antique Silver custom finish): Lewis Mittman, 212/888-5580, ef-lm.com, trade only.
Love-seat fabric ("Renaissance''/Angora #1072/02): ClassicCloth, 785/434-7200, trade only.
Pillow fabric front ("Lago''/Cream, Panna #DE10301); embroidery ("Athena,'' discontinued); back ("Opera Silk Velvet''/Silver White #DE10391): Holland & Sherry, 212/355-6241, trade only.
Candlesticks; rhinoceros: Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Available through Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com.
Silver vases: Hermès, 800/441-4488, hermes.com. trade only.
Chairs in windows ("Annecy Chair'' #21-03801-2223): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com, trade only.
Chair fabric (#Soho 2191-4): Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, bergamofabrics.com, trade only. -
The living room, featuring an ethereal palette, is classically appointed with facing settees in front of the fireplace and sumptuous silk draperies.
Floor: original to house.
Chair in entry ("St. Simone Occasional Chair'' #VH1701): Victoria Hagan Home, 212/888-3241, victoriahaganhome.com, trade only. Available through Design Atelier, 312/822-0440.
Chair fabric ("Pesaro''/Ivory #1165-01): ClassicCloth, 785/434-7200, classicclothfabrics.com, trade only.
Elephant on table in entry ("Flowers of Life'' pattern, designed by Sebastian Menschorn): Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Available through Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com.
Wall covering ("Stitched Vertical''/Silver #MR-SV-58-055-S, by David Rockwell): Maya Romanoff, 773/465-6909, mayaromanoff.com, trade only. -
The neoclassic-style settee, upholstered in elegant ivory, gets a royal touch, with silver leaf added to highlight the carving on the frame.
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A mirrored side table sits against a damask-covered panel in the living room.
Mirrored table; accessories; eglomise: owner's collection.
Lamp: Mig & Tig Furniture, 312/644-8277, migandtig.com.
Bench ("Sabonne Bench''): Dennis & Leen through Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Bench fabric ("Flamingo,'' Couture Collection): Cortina Leathers, 800/338-6229, cortinaleathers.com. -
At the end of the hall, a trumeau reflects a row of crystal chandeliers.
Ceiling treatment (Antique Silver Leaf); decorative painting on eglomise: Simes Studios Inc., 773/327-7101, simesstudios.com.
Chandeliers: Schonbek, 800/836-1892, schonbek.com.
Trumeau (custom): Armand Lee & Co., 312/455-1200, armandlee.com.
Strié finish on walls: DesignRed Decorative Painting, 866/857-5999. -
The Ditomassos worked with an art adviser recommended by designer Kara Mann to enhance their collection of contemporary artwork. A photograph titled "Unknown Land" by Ori Gersht rests on the mantel.
Wall covering (custom, "Plum Blossom'' in Bronze Metallic Paper, Japanese and Korean Collection): De Gournay, 212/564-9750, degournay.com, trade only.
Table ("Osterly Dining Table,'' custom): Dessin Fournir, 785/434-2777, trade only.
Side chairs ("Roman Dining Chair" #0500): Michael Taylor Designs, 312/828-0488, trade only.
Chair-seat fabric ("Fer Forge''/Chanterelle'' #1136-05): ClassicCloth, 785/434-7200, trade only.
Host chairs ("Norma Wing Chair'' with nail trim #BD209, by Barry Dixon): J. Lambeth & Co., 202/646-1774, trade only.
Chair slipcovers ("Indian Summer''/First Frost #2950/01 by Great Plains): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Chandelier ("Venetian Silver Leaf Mirror Chandelier''/Antiqued Silver Leaf): Candace Barnes, 415/431-1018.
Sconces ("Venezia Wall Sconce"): Jean De Merry, 310/289-0991, jeandemerry.com, trade only. Available through Kara Mann Showroom, 312/893-7590, karamann.com.
Rug (Palmette area rug design from Lace Collection): Tai Ping Carpets, 312/644-0400, taipingcarpets.com.
Selenite fireplace logs: Ruzetti & Gow, 212/327-4281, ruzzettiandgow.com.
Tall urns (vintage): 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com.
Porcelain birds: Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Through Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com.
Birdcages: Caste Design, 312/432-0717, castedesign.com.
Photograph above mantel (Unknown Land, by Ori Gersht): Angles Gallery, 310/396-5019, anglesgallery.com.
Amethyst rocks: ABC Carpet & Home, 212/473-3000, abchome.com. -
Nymphenburg Porcelain
Amy Ditomasso collects many objects, but her first love is her collection of Nymphenburg German porcelain that is entirely handcrafted-from the raw materials used to produce it to the ornamentation that is hand-painted and customized for each client. Amy displays her collection throughout her entire home including the dining room, where figurines are perched in cage-like structures built especially for them. Amy's dinnerware pattern is from the Flowers of Life collection; it features an amethyst-colored motif on white porcelain. "The pattern almost resembles tattoos," says Amy. "I like the idea of mixing a beautiful material with design that is a little dangerous."
China (hand-painted, custom design, adapted by Sebastian Menschhorn from his "Flowers of Life'' collection, by Nymphenburg); porcelain cups; stemware; silverware: Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com.
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Painted in white, a cabinet that houses Amy's collection of porcelain is embellished with mullions and finials.
China cabinet ("Cherington Bookcase'' #Y202): William Yeoward, williamyeoward.com.
Finish, exterior ("White Tie'' #2002); finish, interior ("Dead Salmon" #28) Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121.
Collectibles in cabinet ("Flowers of Life'' collection of hand-painted animals by Sebastian Menschhorn): Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Through Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com. -
In the kitchen, bar stools with cream-colored backs and seats are a comfortable spot for the Ditomasso children to do art projects.
Island cabinetry (hand-scraped Honey on Walnut); cabinetry flanking range (Honey on Walnut-Scored Fronts); upper cabinets on sink wall (Maple with White Milk Paint finish); refrigerator armoire (Burnished Bronze on Character Butternut): De Giulio Kitchen Design Inc., 847/256-8833, degiulio.org.
Range: Wolf Appliance Co., 800/332-9513, wolfappliance.com.
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero Inc., 800/222-7820, subzero.com.
Countertops and backsplash (granite); faucets: owner's collection.
Chandeliers over island ("Audrey'' #8068): Ironware International, 800/850-0460, ironwareinternational.com.
Bar stools ("Louis XIII Bar Stools'' by Dennis & Leen): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Bar-stool fabric ("Montauk"/Tobacco #NC0808-077): Nancy Corzine, 212/223-8340, trade only.
Wall treatment (stucco luster): custom. -
Chairs around the pedestal table are covered in a putty-colored cotton-and-linen-weave fabric.
Breakfast table; armoire ("Quatrefoil Armoire'' #43-W2199-6128): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com, trade only.
Chairs ("Chippendale Arm Chair'' by Dennis & Leen); chandelier (by Formations): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Chair fabric ("Montauk''/Tobacco #NC0808-077): Nancy Corzine, 212/223-8340, trade only.
Espresso maker ("Miele Coffee System'' #CVA4070); plate-and-cup warmer (#EGW4060-14): Miele Inc., 800/463-0260, miele.com. -
Square art pieces hang graphically above a bleached wood console table. Orange Hermès boxes jolt the otherwise quiet and neutral vignette.
Buffet ("Pyrenees Console Table''/Weathered Sugar Pine #60-02A): Caché, 310/657-0665, cachecollection.com, trade only.
Moroccan rug (antique): Hannoun Rugs, 773/248-0033, hannounrugs.com.
Photographs (by David Halliday): Arthur Roger Gallery, 504/522-1999.
Porcelain (tree, birds); pieces: Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Through Kneen & Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com.
Roman shades ("Conrad Original Sunshades''/Eclipse #1726): Conrad Shades, 866/426-6723, conradshades.com, trade only.
Fabrication: Debra Dunn Elegant Custom Draperies Inc., 773/763-2926.
Boxes: Hermès, 800/441-4488, hermes.com, trade only. -
The Ditomassos, who frequently entertain, wanted the butler's pantry to equal the glamour of the rest of the home. Vaulted ceilings shine with a silver leaf finish, and white built-in cabinets house the homeowner's collection of porcelain serving pieces.
Antique silver leaf wall and ceiling treatment; faux bois cabinet treatment: DesignRed Decorative Painting, 866/857-5999, designredstudio.com.
Chandelier ("Teardrop''): Bodo Sperlein Ltd., 011 44 207 633 9413, bodosperlein.com.
Sink (silver); countertop (Calacatta Gold Marble): existing.
Many of the porcelain pieces: Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. Through Kneen &Co., 312/787-7003, kneenandco.com. -
Drapery panels made in an open-linen weave beautifully filter light in the family room.
Rug (custom, "Mirage'' in color CC350): Atelier Lapchi, 312/321-0090, lapchi.com.
Sofa ("Standard Cricket Sofa,'' Studio H); sofa fabric ("Silk & Sexy''/Seal, by Great Plains); pair of armchairs ("Standard Paris Chair,'' Studio H); bench fabric ("Rendezvous"/Silver, by Great Plains): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Benches (chairs remade into benches): 1st Dibs, 1stdibs.com.
Armchair fabric ("Capriolo" #1867): Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, bergamofabrics.com, trade only.
Coffee table ("Tao Table'' by Blackman Cruz); bucket chair ("Lora Armchair'' by Jean De Merry): available through Kara Mann Showroom, 312/893-7590.
Fabric on "Loro'' chair and pillows on sofa ("Maya'' #2318): Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, trade only.
Drapery ("Great Lash''/Smoky, Charcoal #10056-09): Donghia, 914/662-2377, donghia.com, trade only.
Wall treatment ("Washi''/Gilded Aubergine, discontinued): Maya Romanoff, 773/465-6909, trade only.
Painting above mantel (by Hiro Yokose): Carrie Secrist Gallery, 312/491-0917, secristgallery.com. -
In the corner of the family room, a game table is surrounded by comfortable tufted chairs. Instead of upholstering the chairs in one fabric, a solid flax-colored linen was used on the front, with a subtle geometric motif stretching around the back.
Table ("Bennett Center Table'' #11-0304-64); chandelier ("Rouleau Chandelier'' #41-0312R-32): David Iatesta, 410/604-0360, davidiatesta.com, trade only.
Chairs ("Athens Chair" #2901S): Artistic Frame, 212/289-2100, trade only.
Chair fabric ("Shibori Jacquard''/Steel, #10154-09): Donghia, 914/662-2377, trade only.
Bench: Gray Morell Antiques & Fine Reproductions, 310/657-2200, trade only.
Bench fabric ("Federico"/Avorio Argento #I6458-001, by Fadini Borghi): Pierre Frey, 212/213-3099, pierrefrey.com, trade only. -
To align with the gritty gray palette used throughout the house, a round frame with smoky mirrored panels hangs above a mahogany console table in the family room.
Table ("Wexford Console'' #13-9807): David Iatesta, 410/604-0360, davidiatesta.com, trade only.
Mirror ("Ashanti Mirror'' #52-02099-4800): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com, trade only. -
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The butterfly wall sculpture by Paul Villinski is framed nicely by pairs of shagreen-like bedside tables, silver-leaf mirrors, and rock-crystal lamps.
Art behind bed (custom, Beercan Butterfly art installation by Paul Villinski): Morgan Lehman Gallery, 212/268-6699.
Bed (custom); night tables (custom): Kara Mann Design, 312/893-7550, karamann.com.
Bed upholstery (discontinued): Bergamo Fabrics, 914/665-0800, trade only.
Bedding ("Grisaille''): Muse Couture, 312/595-9604, musegroup.com.
Pair of mirrors (vintage): Douglas Rosin Decorative Arts & Antiques, LLC, 312/337-6556, douglasrosin.com.
Bedside table lamps (custom, rock crystal): JF Chen, 323/466-9700, jfchen.com, trade only.
Sconce ("Oculus Reflector Wall-Mount Sconce''/Pewter #MA-1005, by Michael Amato): Urban Electric Co., 843/723-8140, urbanelectricco.com, trade only.
Paint ("Elephant's Breath'' #229): Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121. -
A crystal-and-wood chandelier drifts elegantly above the bedroom seating arrangement that includes a French chaise, a moderne chair with a silver frame, and a lacquered Asian-inspired coffee table.
Rug ("Midtown''/Moleskin, woven Wilton construction, cut-pile velvet): Stark Carpet Corp., 212/752-9000, starkcarpet.com, trade only.
Coffee table ("Macau Table'' by Dennis & Leen): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, trade only.
Sofa ("Geoffrey Sofa''): Bradley Hughes, 404/814-9595, trade only.
Sofa fabric ("Debutante''/Abigail #10032-48): Donghia, 914/662-2377, trade only.
Chest: Antiques on Old Plank Road, 630/887-1995, oldplank.com.
Drapery ("Leverlin,'' #7675, by Larsen): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com, trade only.
Wall treatment ("Stitched Vertical''/Silver #MR-SV-58-055-S): Maya Romanoff, 773/465-6909, mayaromanoff.com, trade only.
Painting above mantel (by Christopher Orr): Nyehaus, nyehaus.com.
Elephants on mantel: Nymphenburg, nymphenburg.com. -
The Ditomasso family: John and Amy with their children Dylan, 3, and Quinn, 7, and dogs Sawyer and Honeycomb.
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The Sidecar, price available upon request from Moore & Giles [1-800-737-0169]
This beautifully crafted bar cart, The Sidecar by Moore and Giles, is a great way to store liquor, glassware, bar tools, and anything else needed to complete your own miniature bar. The cart, made of Virginia black walnut, birch, leather, aluminum, and brass, is wheeled to make sure the party can travel with you. Perfect for drink-lovers without the space for a full bar.
