A vanity layered in antiqued mirror (which
complements the pair of dressers flanking
the sofa) brings a timeless elegance to
the room, which can grow up with the
girls. The robust palette is softened by the
sophisticated design: Colorful bedding and
headboard upholstery, where the stripes
are reversed to each girl's favorite color,
and the sumptuous Romo wall covering,
which shimmers with flecks of metallic in
the flowers, exude old Hollywood glamour.
Asmar used wallpaper in many of the rooms,
which, she says, adds depth.
Asmar created a custom "playground" for
Sam: The walnut bunk bed has a ladder on
one side and a slide on the other. "Sam
said he likes blue, 'but not a lot of blue, —
says Asmar, so she added punches of
Detroit Tigers-inspired juicy orange that
would stand the test of time. The pattern
of the Schumacher wall covering is echoed
in the custom bedding and the miniaturized
sofa. Wooden blinds are softened, just
slightly, with a bold fabric valance.
Custom ledge shelves display a collection of Sam's favorite toys while an orange
pouf acts as a sophisticated bean bag. The pair of cabinets — and the mercurized
lamps — were found at the Michigan Design Center.
Teenager Cate requested a serene, pale-blue palette and lots of circles.
The soft-blue geometric-patterned Schumacher wallpaper is layered with a
metallic print that mimics the pattern and palette of the custom bedding,
which is embroidered with a web of pussy willows. The velvet-covered bed
and foot bench was a gift from Cate's godmother. To bring a sense of airiness
to the enclosed window-seat space, Asmar had the sides of the bookcases
laser cut with a circular design, which was inspired by the muted pattern in
the linen shades.
i I
Howard Goldman, an art collector, favors everything from Tramp Art to Chagall, says
his wife. "He would live in Pee-wee's Playhouse if he could." So it was important
that the home not only remain "new" and "classic" for 30 years, but that it had
enough wall space to display his constantly changing finds, like the wall-mounted
jacks sculpture and prints by French Expressionist Bernard Buffet on the upstairs
landing. A second column was built to add symmetry to the existing one; a sheer
drapery panel adds an element of privacy to Lori Goldman's office. "I love that I can
work in my office and look out the window and watch my kids playing in the yard and
neighborhood kids cutting through with their bikes and skateboards," she says.
In Depth on page 50
September 12 • 2013
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