When I was called in to meet a gentleman whose Western Suffolk County home was in need of completion, I never expected to come face to face with a long horned bull, a feisty emu and an adorable llama. Providing animals such as these to petting zoos all over the country turned out to be a hobby of my client, who, interestingly enough, wanted this farm home to look nothing like one would expect. In fact, the interior spaces were perfect for his interest in classic modern furniture, accessories, and art. His contemporary taste ran the gamut from original oils to watercolors to mixed media and this colorful palette brought life and interest to the open floor plan and high volume spaces. The challenge here in providing art to enhance the furnishings was to create impact with larger and fewer pieces so each could be truly appreciated. While the art draws you into each room, the clean lines of the furnishings and practical fabrics allow for relaxing in style (especially after mucking out a barn stall!). Neutrals with a pop of color on floors, in area rugs and carpet, as well as on walls, adds to the effect in this contemporary home in an unusual setting. The client - interesting, intelligent, funny, and definitely not the norm, was a joy to work with and for. I was sorry the job was completed because of its uniqueness – but most of all – I’m missing the green eggs the Araucanian hens laid which made great omelettes! | |