A Brooklyn family fulfilled their dream of a spotless-almost-sterile, gleaming home, by building it in the mountainside. Their designer made that dream come alive.

Architecture, Construction & Design Awards 2018
Second Award | Category: Residential Interior (Built)

©Susan Strauss Design

When designing the bungalow, the lead designer had one thing in mind, “The house had to feel clean at all times, and that was the underlying push that swayed all decisions in the process.” The home is a contemporary wonder juxtaposed near the rustic foliage of upstate New York.

The standout feature was to be impressive, inspiring, yet uncomplicated. The team commissioned Alex Turco to bring that vision to life. They designed a vivid backdrop to the floating staircase in dripping shades of blue.

©Susan Strauss Design

The over scale art install is finished in textured epoxy resin, which bounces off all the natural light streaming in from the countless windows. Clean sheets of glass serve as a staircase railing, enhancing the immaculate mood, and doesn’t distract from the statement wall treatment. Instead of fussy sconces or table lamps, the entry console by Roberta Schilling is lit up by five wall piercing from Flos Lighting’s Soft Architecture line. The kitchen is bright and contemporary, yet practicality was not spared in the process; there are seating options aplenty for both the family and guest. The modern dinette fixture is by Roll and Hill. The master bath takes a zen approach to the modern design of the home, utilizing wood tones and clean lines.

Another dramatic difference between this home and the family’s Brooklyn residence lies underfoot. The flooring is extra-large format tile. At five feet by ten feet per tile, there are scarcely any grout lines, and the uniformity of the bungalow allows for the uncluttered headspace the owners were after.

©Susan Strauss Design

The country home is a fusion of minimalistic design with maximum impact, and careful planning to accommodate a growing family. Bearing in mind the specific project brief, the designer created the ultimate country home, keeping true to both the firm’s signature style, and the clients’ vision.