Contemporary Loft

A dysfunctional condo in a former industrial building has been transformed into a modern oasis, a second home for a busy international couple. The existing industrial elements have been exposed, celebrating the history of the space. What was formerly a chopped-up and segmented space has been opened to the expanse of industrial-style factory windows, bathing the space in natural light. Designated spaces are defined with furnishings, as opposed to walls. Throughout, custom furnishings and storage keeps clutter out of site. Special care was taken to ensure sprinkler heads, audio-visual and electrical wiring, and switching were invisible, creating a flawless environment.

A Divider, housing both the media center and platform bed, separates the living space from the bedroom, without creating a barrier. The media center, custom designed by Studio Santalla allows for the Television to be concealed when not in use. A comfortable black leather sectional from B&B Italia sits atop a custom designed mosaic cowhide area rug. Though few, the iconic furnishings provide soft relief from the industrial space.

A custom, eat-in kitchen integrates the appliances and the cabinetry, keeping messes out of site.  The sleek workspace provides a home for a sculpture from Keith Milow. A space-defining wood and glass desk provides a workspace for two, and a pedestal for a bold sculpture from Nelson Carrilho. A massive painting from Keith Milow provides a stunning backdrop to this home office.

The large walk in closet includes a counter for folding clothes.  The custom minimal cabinetry has been designed to house off-the-shelf closet organization from the Container Store. The sleek bathroom space is bookended by a frosted glass watercloset and a dark tiled shower.

Published in the Nov/Dec 2013 issue of Home & Design Magazine, titled Luxury Aloft:

Artwork by:

Keith Milow

Philippe Zanolino

Yubi Kirindongo

Nelson Carrilho

Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Contemporary Traditional

Modern Interior in a Colonial Home

There is much in the line of traditional homes in the Washington, DC area. Often, our clients want a more contemporary aesthetic. This project, which involved an addition, shows how contemporary modern interiors work well in the context of a traditional home without having to start over.

The new modern kitchen boasts contrasting stainless steel and wood cabinets and countertops, and a large island.  Off the kitchen hangs a breakfast room, home to a custom designed maple dining table. An elegant dining room is fitted with contemporary paneling that conceals the door to the Butler’s Pantry. A sleek custom sideboard of gold leaf and mahogany, designed by Studio Santalla, is accompanied by paintings from Robin Rose and Pauline Ziegan (Donald Sultan School). A modern candle-laden chandelier also provides halogen downlighting for the client’s large, Cuban mahogany dining table.

In the living room, neutral furniture is juxtaposed to a patterned ottoman from the client’s collection, in keeping with Ernesto Santalla, PLLC’s—formerly Studio Santalla— soft-modern style.  Blonde Sycamore wood panels and the bas relief ceiling give definition to the space. The traditional mantel was replaced with a minimal surround, integrating a hidden media center. The neutral colors provide a backdrop for contemporary Artwork from Donald Sultan as well as African tribal artwork from the client’s trips abroad.

Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Figment of Reality

The Living Space is contextual, existing within the larger framework of the Design House–a starting point for form, furnishings, colors, materials, texture and light.

We believe architecture enriches interior spaces. In this case, the concept is a room within a room. A perimeter circulation creates a transitional zone, a buffer to the five adjoining spaces. The neutral color provides smooth passage to the colors and designs of the rooms beyond.

Two opposing wall planes joined by a dropped ceiling define the central space, accentuated by a subtle plane shift to suggest the placement of art. Furnishings allow for multiple functions in an elegant, relaxed environment. The colors are soothing to the eye and the mind. Accents provide a reminder of the intensity of the world outside.

Designing “Washington Spaces” presents the unique opportunity to reinvent modern life within the city’s rich historical framework–a study of context much like this room.

Ernesto Santalla, PLLC—formerly Studio Santalla—developed this residential space for the Washington DC Design House, creating a true multifunction living space without segmenting the room with walls. A space for dining exists in concert with a relaxing sitting area. The command center of this well-ordered space is a generous 54-by-54-inch table in Mozambique wood with an off-white glossy lacquer top: a hardworking multitasker that can be used for computer time, poker or homework, and then host a dinner party for eight. A dramatic environment was created utilizing faux-finishes, custom furniture and statement art. The white sectional sofa and chrome table give a contemporary feel to the room, as does the large-scale artwork including photographs from Ernesto Santalla himself.

Photography by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Understated Elegance

Elegant His and Hers Bathroom Design

ROOM FOR TWO

Large Bath – Best of Class Award

BY JULIE SANDERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEOFFREY HODGDON
MAY/JUNE 2010

Ernesto Santalla, PLLC—formerly Studio Santalla—transformed an outmoded his-and-hers bath in a Tudor-style DC home into a natural light-filled, contemporary retreat for two. He enclosed the travertine shower, which divides the two bathroom areas, with floor-to-ceiling glass, allowing daylight to flood both spaces and making each appear larger. Clean-lined, dark cabinetry of dyed lacewood and ultra-modern plumbing and light fixtures convey an elegant minimalist aesthetic. The creamy limestone flooring and countertops and frosted glass entry door all contribute to the sense of light and openness. Located in the “hers” section of the bathroom, the soaking tub is spacious and elegant.

The Retreat

Sustainable Luxury Home Spa Design

In 2009, Ernesto Santalla, PLLC—formerly Studio Santalla—was selected to participate with other Architects and Interior designers in the designing of the CharityWorks Greenhouse in McLean, VA. The Greenhouse represented the first carbon neutral single family Green Home on the East Coast; Studio Santalla was chosen to create the Spa/Retreat. The challenge of working on sustainable and environmentally friendly design provides a unique design opportunity.

We opened the home spa to the space by removing an enclosing wall. Bathed in natural light, the two-story shower, which includes a recirculating waterfall, occupies the center of the room, wrapped in cedar paneling. This “tree”, which represents the earth, envelops water, the source of life. The remaining functions lining the perimeter of the room, include a custom designed storage bench, daybed and a soaking tub.

The materials in the room are sustainable in accordance with current “green” practices. The furniture is sustainable. The fabrics are sustainable. Even the original art from Dan Steinhilber is recycled! There is luxury without excess, just the necessary components to create an inviting, and comfortable environment to promote relaxation and well being.

Simple, clean, and contemporary, the Retreat is a place to unwind, take a nap, read, meditate–whichever your favorite way to relieve stress–indoors.

Artwork by Dan Steinhilber & Barbara Josephs Liotta