36 DIGS.NET
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.1.2020
P R O F I L E | M A R K A S H B Y D E S I G N
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and tactile backdrop for a collector's
extraordinary art and furnishing collections,"
says Christina Simon, senior designer at
Mark Ashby Design. In all the spaces, the
owners' impressive artworks take center
stage. The light-filled hallway encourages
the contemplation of the sculpture "Flux" by
Shirazeh Houshiary and the abstract "Attic
Series I-V" by Robert Mangold, which stand
out against the white walls. "This house
is meant to enhance the way one can live
with art," Simon explains. "The eye of a
contemporary art collector and using space
to live with otherwise museum-quality art
inspired the design team to create a home
around the pieces, so that it is the art that
brings the design to life."
Take the living room: a Vienna Way sofa
by Marmol Radziner from Cory Pope &
Associates, Archibald chairs by Poltrona
Frau from Scott + Cooner, and Carpo Club
chairs by Holly Hunt from George Cameron
Nash sit on a Fort Street Studio Diamond
White rug, while over the fireplace, a
blue work by Anish Kapoor brings more
depth to the space. "The art collection
and furnishings add another layer of color
and texture to the experience of site and
structure," says Smith. In the dining room,
the mesmerizing "Untitled," a piece by
Graham Caldwell, is above the Emmemobili
console from Scott + Cooner while a Michael
Anastassiades pendant from Nilufar Gallery
hangs over a table with a Hudson base from
David Sutherland and a top designed by
Mark Ashby in collaboration with Phillip Sell
of Sell Design Group, surrounded by Minotti
chairs from DDC in New York City. In the
master bedroom, the tones of "Golden (30
Dissolves)" by Teresita Fernández combine
with an Attie Jonker wood headboard with
integrated nightstands from Green Wood
Milling Company. Given the wealth of artistic
richness, "One of our biggest challenges
was restraint," Simon confesses. "Collectors
collect not only art but furnishings,
rugs, figurines, accessories and books.
This house thrives on collections, but a
strong editorial eye was needed to keep
everything in perspective" whiles also, she
notes, allowing the "true heavy hitters . . .
the proper scene and attention."
Complemented by wood elements,
the color palette refers to tones found in
nature, a constant reminder that the house
is nestled among the trees. "This project
was an opportunity to create a legacy
piece of architecture that celebrates the
site and enhances lives," says Smith. "We
believe architecture is the ultimate act of
commitment to a place, both as a response
to and embodiment of a unique set of
conditions." markashbydesign.com
