Cover A recent trip to Guadalajara, Mexico inspired the architect to bring Latino influences into this den, as he noted that some of the 18th and 19th-century Mexican houses he had seen reminded him of Sicilian houses from the same era
A recent trip to Guadalajara, Mexico inspired the architect to bring Latino influences into this den, as he noted that some of the 18th and 19th-century Mexican houses he had seen reminded him of Sicilian houses from the same era
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Architect John Ike brings together a tasteful balance of cross-cultural influences in this American home, which is inspired by the glamour of the coasts of Italy
Nestled along the picturesque New Jersey coastline is a charming family haven. Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of New York, this American abode is designed to be a summer and weekend retreat for a multigenerational family, and encapsulates the stately allure of a classic Italian villa, with a contemporary twist.
The home melds the essence of an Italian villa with Latino-Mediterranean influences, and is testament to the collaborative synergy between its visionary homeowners and architect John Ike, partner at American architecture firm Ike Baker Velten. It blends elements of that Italian sense of la dolce vita, referring to the sweetness of life, celebrating luxurious experiences and everyday delights.
The architect drew inspiration from the captivating architecture of Sicily, specifically the Italian city of Catania, and its buildings of volcanic sand-infused stucco and contrasting white limestone.
“This look sets these homes apart from other Mediterranean-style houses, while still [staying] within the tradition with black stainless-steel windows, terraces of a lighter coloured limestone as well as green vegetation and the ocean,” says Ike.
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Above This home draws inspiration from Italian villas
This home draws inspiration from Italian villas
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Within the interior, the fusion of the old and the new creates a fresh aesthetic. “There is a tradition of doing this, especially in Europe, where a lot of the architecture is from previous centuries. B&B Italia has always harnessed this to great effect with the contrast of showing its modern furniture in grand palaces and villas, so that was our basic concept.”
The home’s tactile charm is expressed wonderfully in its interior, with predominantly white plaster walls that serve as a fitting canvas for the colourful furniture and textiles. These are complemented by the black terrazzo floors and white stone accents, while reclaimed wood is artfully integrated into the ceilings and occasionally the walls, which serves to reinforce the textural look.
Ike also collaborated with Mia Jung, director of interiors at Kligerman Architecture & Design, to bring depth to the design; the two are close collaborators who have worked together for almost 20 years. Jung brought contemporary items to the mix, while Ike focused on vintage furniture, rugs, and lighting.
“We agreed on a common minimalistic sensibility in terms of the arrangement of the furniture and the use of accessories and art. It is also really centred on a strong vision of more contemporary or modern furnishings set against a more traditional neutral backdrop,” says Ike.
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Above The facade here features a black-stucco finish
Above The entrance features the Loop chairs by Willy Guhl
The facade here features a black-stucco finish
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The grand living room, with its 4.8-metre-high ceiling and spacious layout, accommodates four distinct groupings of spaces, creating diverse zones that spark thoughtful conversation. Each section exudes its own unique colour identity and adds to the varied scale of the room.
The drinks area is a focal point with a timber-legged bar and bronze bamboo shelving to display glassware, as well as an assortment of unique silicone vases.
Meanwhile, the white-toned seating area next to the fireplace is anchored by a sofa by Pierre Augustin Rose, with Cherry Bomb pendant lights by Lindsey Adelman adding cheerful pops of colour that complement the Burma Totem by Italian design icon Ettore Sottsass wonderfully.
It’s no wonder this versatile space is a particular favourite of Jung. “It is a room in which everything can happen. There is a big plush seating [arrangement] that can hold a large group of people, and also a small intimate seating [arrangement] by the fireplace where you can be alone. Beside the major bar, there is also a banquette close to the oceanside where you could have a bite—you could spend the entire day in here,” she says.
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In the living room, the Cherry Bomb pendant lamps by Lindsey Adelman mirror the candy hues of the Burma Totem sculpture by Ettore Sottsass
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Further inside the home, the dining space as the heart of family gatherings is both practical and elegant. Here, a bespoke dining table made
from food-grade cast aluminium takes centre stage.
“It is extremely practical and not too ‘precious’ to use as the material does not need to be carefully taken care of. The seating—S2 Murena chairs by Marta Sala Éditions—are also extremely comfortable,” Ike elaborates.
A vintage 1960s chandelier by Hans-Agne Jakobsson adds a touch of mid-century charm, while interspaced wooden beams create a rhythmic flow. To add to the sense of scale in the home, tall arched doors provide captivating views of the courtyard and the ocean, making every meal a visual delight.
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A metallic sculpture adds a gilded edge to this wooden stairway
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The house also weaves a rich tapestry of Latino-Mediterranean cultural influences into its design. In the bathrooms, Italian tiles designed by the legendary Italian architect Gio Ponti introduce vibrant colours, while the bedrooms are adorned with rough stucco ceilings inspired by Ponti’s mid-century modern houses.
To offer a sense of sanctuary and calm, the rooms feature a restrained number of furniture and furnishings. “They all have distinctive mid-century Italian furniture, which sort of serves as an archetype or an aesthetic focal point for the room. They typically have textured ceilings and also feature oak woodwork to tie them all together,” Ike continues.
Then, to imbue each room with a sense of identity, he worked with Bibi Huber, an interior designer from Guadalajara, Mexico to source for interesting textiles.
“She provided all the bed coverings, which have an elegant sort of casual quality to them, and each also has colours that are suited to the particular bedroom they are used in.”
The overall effect, muses Ike, is an interesting synthesis that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary comfort. The home is a place in which treasured memories are made, and a timeless work of art that invites one to step in and be enchanted by its classic beauty.
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Credits
Photography: Richard Powers
