Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/121906
LEFT: A kitchen with two islands— homeowner Anne Hajjar's idea—allows her to prep meals and mingle with guests at the same time. Custom cabinetry, Finlay Cabinetry. Backsplash tile and stone countertops, Tiles by Perfection. Kitchen pendants, Regina Andrew. BELOW: The artwork in the entry foyer complements the furnishings. Reclaimed French limestone, through Paris Ceramics. Artwork, Jules Place. "I really get to know the family personally and learn how they will live in the house." —ROBIN PELISSIER, INTERIOR DESIGNER facing the water, including the basement." (By "basement" he means a fullheight lower level complete with gym and sauna, wine cellar, guest suites, and media room.) Still, given the structure's masculine air, Pelissier believed that adding color, softness, and texture was paramount. She also encouraged the homeowners to consider how they would inhabit the space. "I really get to know the family personally and learn how they will live in the house," she says. "Things like materials and lighting are going to affect the way they live in their home." As designs were developed and Pelissier and Rolando quizzed the couple about their lifestyle, it became patently clear that family time with their four children was a priority. "They are by nature very gracious, and there's a lot of food and entertaining in their home," Pelissier observes. "I wanted to make the home very easy for entertaining." A spacious kitchen outfitted with custom cabinetry, a glimmering mosaic backsplash, Regina Andrew pendant lights, and beveled marble counters now flows into the family room, creating a space ideal for holiday dinners and impromptu reunions. "I have a big family, and we always have friends down," says Anne Hajjar. "I love the fact that you can have 50 people in the kitchen and family room and it still feels okay." Outside, the natural-stone pool deck and adjoining living areas maximize comfort, and the family spends nearly every waking hour savoring the open-air spaces. "The kids are in the pool all day," Hajjar says. "There's an outdoor kitchen, grill, and tons of seating. You can eat outside and even shower outside." While the house is rife with playtime amenities—wine cellar, billiards room, workout space, and a bunk room where visiting golf buddies can lay their heads—the goal was to blend recreation with refinement. "They 112 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 110-115_BC_F_Home_LATESPRING13.indd 112 4/10/13 11:53 AM