P R O F I L E | M AT T M C K AY
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aesthetic aligned with the inhabitants'
lifestyle and taste.
Some surprises resulted in creative
ideas along the way. For example, at
the beginning of the project, the interior
designer discovered the barrel-vaulted
ceiling in the existing mechanical room
and immediately envisioned how it could
be transformed into a moody steam room.
"It felt like such a unique detail had been
hidden for decades," he says.
In the different rooms, warm neutral earth
tones through the reclaimed wood floors
and herringbone terracotta brick combine
with darker accents to add visual interest
while fabrics in saturated tones of rusts,
blues and green contrast with Benjamin
Moore's Distant Gray on a wall on the
upper floors and Venetian plaster in the
kitchen.
"I selected materials that are all referential
to the history of the house," says McKay.
With its wood burning fireplace, an Isamu
Noguchi floor lamp, a pair of vintage
Móveis Cimo chairs upholstered in
ZAK+FOX velvet, a Roger Capron coffee
table, a B&B Italia Camaleonda sofa and a
white Robert Mallet-Stevens lounge chair
— among other design pieces — the main
living room is truly cozy. This space also
comprises custom oak shutters with round,
frosted glass windows that were designed
by McKay and inspired by Jean Prouvé.
At the rear of the main floor, the
conservatory/greenhouse adorned with
a Charlotte Perriand side table and Eny
Lee Parker floor lamps is paired with a wet
bar and opens to a patio. Full of texture,
the main suite occupies the second floor
while an open communal space — which
acts as a home office and guest area — is
situated on the third floor.
Effortless and inviting, the home reflects
a subtle touch of irreverence through its
decor. With this very personal project,
McKay's intention was to make everyone
feel comfortable and not take themselves
too seriously. "I wanted to create a place
that would invite groups of friends to
get together, stay for awhile and just be
present with each other," he says. Mission
accomplished.
https://mmmckay.com/
6.16.23 | DIGS.NET 43
