The Best of Both Worlds:
Today’s Technology Sports
Vintage Flair

One of the most ingenious aspects about this year’s Design Home is the way the New England style design and décor meld with state-of-the-art technology. Everything from the electrical wiring to the architectural details, even the choice of interior lighting plays its part in orchestrating a harmonious display of modern day meets yesteryear.

Design Home 2004 doesn’t disappoint; its been equipped with a 42’’ Panasonic® Plasma TV from Classic Stereo & Video. The flat-panel television is situated nicely atop the fireplace in the living room. Thanks to Architect Wayne Visbeen, of Visbeen Associates, Inc. there’s no chance the larger-than-life screen will detract from the old-world ambiance of the home. He’s designed an architecturally appealing way to hide the TV if that’s your wish.

Classic Stereo & Video incorporated a Distributed Audio System featuring built-in speakers in the ceilings with individual volume controls. In the sitting area is a compact home theatre system with 5.1 surround sound. Their experts wired the home for the future, anticipating any technological needs that might come up later. “Contrary to what most people think,” says Dan Johnson, President of Classic Stereo & Video, “it’s actually very inexpensive to plan for any upcoming needs now.”

Start with a skilled decorator, add a knowledgeable salesperson and prepare to be romanced by their combined talents. Design Coordinator Polly Timmer of Carpet One by Johnson and Cindy Van Drunen of The Lighting Corner have captured the essence of nostalgia by way of lighting in Design Home 2004, an art that’s sure to whisk you away to another world.

The foyer welcomes guests in grand style with the magnificent two-story stair tower. No ordinary light would do. Minka’s® Calavera Chandelier rises to the occasion with its faux alabaster bowl in a rich nutmeg-brown finish wrapped snugly in weathered metal and suspended mid-air. Lending the appearance of a rustic relic from the past, this modern-day piece of art lends a glamorous touch to the home’s front entry. Polly chose the chandelier for its indirect bowl light which reflects up and draws attention to the truly unique ceiling.

Stories above, the uncommonly elegant tongue-in-groove metal ceiling stained to coordinate with the kitchen cabinetry captures attention. Cream-colored stair spindles blend with the wainscoting that warms the foyer walls and lends a hint of vintage. Atop each stair are maple stair treads in patterned berber nicely finished with a wooden border. Resting at the base of the stairs, the foyer flooring of natural slate grounds and warms the room with its sparkly glass accent tiles.

In the Master Bedroom, a graceful duo of swirling wall sconces exemplifies the attention to detail found throughout. The hand-forged sconces in natural iron-finish with bell-shaped opal glass shades are available at The Lighting Corner.

As in most kitchens, function takes top priority. However, the adjustable Prairie Pendant island light with black iron-finish hardware sports a trio of stepped cone glass shades in opal, proving it’s possible to meet both utilitarian as well as decorative needs.

IIllustrations by David Lorenz of Visbeen Associates, Inc. © 2004