W ith cooler weather on the horizon, we find ourselves craving warmth and comfort at home. And while it’s simple enough to crank the thermostat, local architects and designers are turning to a more stylish solution, using natural materials to create cozy indoor spaces. “You can change the feel of the room just by the surface, and that’s a very powerful tool, especially in the Midwest,” says Alberto Rojas, principal at Chicago-based Domicis Design.
WARM by NATURE When it comes to adding both warmth and character, wood is probably the first material that comes to mind. According to Doug Reynolds, president of Reynolds Architecture and Mint Home Maintenance in Northfield, homeowners are gravitating toward wide-plank European oak floors. “Depending on the overall aesthetic, it can be more knotty for a rustic feel, or we can use a more fine grain for a little more sophistication,” he says, adding that it’s the same with cabinetry. “Light colors are more the trend.”
The COZY SIDE of STONE
Meanwhile, Rojas has a more unexpected choice for winter comfort. “In the wintertime, with three months of grey, you can use stone and make it look like you’re somewhere else—the Caribbean or Mexico. That’s the beauty of stone and how you use it.” As for what type of stone, Rojas likes marble. It’s not as dense as materials like granite, it heats up more quickly, and the hues are generally warmer too. When clients ask if it’s long-lasting, Rojas jokes, “It survived Pompeii.” For Geno Benvenuti, president of North Shore-based luxury home remodeler Benvenuti and Stein, stone was an integral component in one of his favorite projects that involved transforming a city dwelling into an urban retreat. “The same radiant heated stone floor was used in three seamlessly connected spaces: the outdoor patio, sunroom and indoor pool house. It provided a consistent, comfortable environment all year long,” he says.
ASPIRE ON THE SHORE // 13
Powered by FlippingBook