River Hill
River Hill Residency
Project Year: 2024
Design style: Elevated Contemporary
Overview: River Hill Residency embodies an elevated contemporary design style, characterized by clean lines, refined finishes, and a high degree of craftsmanship. This project showcases how to make large, open spaces both functional and cohesive, providing a seamless blend of aesthetics and practicality. The design reflects the clients’ desire for a streamlined, effective lifestyle, perfect for both everyday living and social gatherings.
Client Profile: The clients are a family with four children, spanning different ages. Their needs were twofold: to create a spacious environment where the children have room to play and live comfortably, while also crafting a home suitable for hosting parties and family events. The design cleverly balances these requirements with sophistication and durability.
Photography: Mike Chajecki
The living room in the River Hill Residency showcases how a large space can feel both cozy and stylish, with the original fireplace serving as the focal point. Updated with a custom mantel, a paneled wall of natural walnut and slats, and discreetly integrated TV, the fireplace anchors the room and creates a relaxing atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Fireplace & Focal Point: Enhanced with walnut veneer, Italian porcelain mantel, and custom cabinetry for storage, blending functionality and elegance.
- Lighting: Recessed LED and accent lighting highlight the craftsmanship of the paneled wall and fireplace.
- Materials & Textures: Stain-resistant upholstery, natural walnut, and ceiling-to-floor custom curtains add warmth and sophistication.
- Artwork: Neutral, large-scale pieces enhance the design without overwhelming the space.
- Seating & Layout: Thoughtfully arranged contemporary furniture ensures comfort and durability for family gatherings.
This living room combines functionality with elegance, making it perfect for both everyday life and entertaining.
Before and After:
The dining area in the River Hill Residency blends character and elegance, using thoughtful materials, textures, and zoning to align with the home’s refined contemporary aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Walls & Texture: High-performance grass-cloth wallpaper adds texture and warmth, complementing wooden elements for a cohesive backdrop.
- Zoning & Balance: The rectangular room features a large mango wood dining table (burnt wax finish) as its centerpiece, paired with a proportionate chandelier. A custom diamond-patterned stained white oak wall panel balances the space, creating harmony and shortening the room’s visual length.
- Furniture & Decor: A mango wood sideboard is adorned with elegant decor, including brass bowls, handmade vases, and an artist-signed “Art Nouveau” sculpture by Austin Productions (1985). These details add artisanal and historical depth.
- Lighting: A chandelier above the table provides functional lighting and verticality, while wall sconces add ambient light, complemented by a central round mirror for brightness and openness.
- Natural Elements: A bamboo plant introduces organic softness and a subtle Middle Eastern influence, enriching the room’s design.
The dining area achieves a timeless yet modern look, combining natural materials, artistic decor, and practical design to create an elevated yet inviting space for gatherings.
Before and After:
The office at River Hill Residency is designed for maximum functionality with a sleek contemporary aesthetic, featuring custom cabinetry and a bespoke table crafted by principal designer Ksenia Berkovich.
Key Features:
- Custom Cabinetry: Contemporary cabinetry provides ample storage for organization while visually enlarging the space. Open white oak shelves with recessed LED lighting add warmth and display opportunities.
- Bespoke Table: Designed with smooth edges for safety, the table serves as a functional workspace with integrated under-table storage, maintaining a clean, organized appearance.
- Artistic Touch: Deco Capiz wall art by Diego Olivero adds texture and elegance, enhancing the room’s airy and inspiring atmosphere.
This office seamlessly combines practicality and sophistication, creating a productive yet stylish workspace.
Before and After:
The kitchen in River Hill Residency balances style, warmth, and functionality, serving as a cozy gathering space with modern design elements.
Key Features:
- Focal Points: Brass-accented hood and lighting add elegance, mirrored in the island for cohesion.
- Premium Materials: Italian quartz countertops and backsplash ensure durability and a luxurious, easy-to-maintain finish. The island includes a countertop heating system for comfort during colder months.
- Smart Storage: A dedicated pantry maximizes storage while keeping the main area uncluttered, and a hidden coffee station adds convenience for enthusiasts.
- Innovative Features: The sink includes standard, filtered, and boiled water faucets for added functionality.
- Island Design: A waterfall-edge island serves as a contemporary centerpiece, with stylish wooden trays for practical display.
- Color Palette: Warm whites and soft tones create a modern, inviting aesthetic that stands apart from traditional white kitchens.
This kitchen seamlessly blends functionality with sophisticated design, making it ideal for family gatherings and culinary inspiration.
Before and After:
The powder room at River Hill Residency combines style and functionality, reflecting the home’s contemporary design.
Key Features:
- Vanity & Surfaces: A custom vanity with an Italian quartz countertop ensures durability and elegance, complemented by a vessel sink and minimalist wall-mounted faucets.
- Wallpaper & Lighting: High-performance grass-cloth wallpaper adds texture and durability, while sleek Kelly Wearstler wall sconces provide functional, refined lighting.
- Color Palette: A modern gray palette with textured surfaces creates depth and a calming atmosphere.
This powder room offers a tranquil, stylish space that mirrors the elevated design and craftsmanship of the house.
Before and After:
