In a Zen-inspired structure, beauty appears in simplicity

By Ilene Dube | Photography by Jon Roemer

The world can be noisy – not just with sound, but external stimulation. To find the quiet within, it helps to have a soothing space in which to retreat.

A home on Lake Carnegie designed by Richardson Smith Architects, built by Pinneo Construction, offers just that sort of respite. Except for such striking features as a black steel stairway that wends like a sculptural spine, and a single red chair in the master bedroom, most everything is a gradation of white. Contrast comes in the textures.

There is no clutter to spoil the calm – many of what appear to be walls are a grid of cabinets. Everything has its place. There are no knobs or pulls to interrupt – the flat white cabinets pop open with a gentle tap. Even the pocket doors slip quietly into their slots.

Furnishings continue the serenity. A dining table is white with black chairs, a sofa is gray, and Noguchi floor lamps made from white rice paper offer function without fuss. Minimalist artwork continues the black-and-white theme, and even the flowers outside when in season, bloom white.

After a short time one’s eyes adjust, so when a homeowner presses the remote, raising a shade, the clutter of the outside world is jolting. Switching ON the TV connected with a streaming service (like loop tv ) might offer the perfect content to watch. Post that, listening to a piece of relaxing music can calm down the tsunami of thoughts rushing through the mind.

The house has been a multi-layered collaboration: between the environment and the lake area; the architects who in turn collaborate with history and a world view; the homeowners who have a sensibility for the spare; and a builder with a Stanford University master’s degree in East Asian studies.

With its eagles and hawks, herons and cormorants, rowers and skaters, runners and wildlife enthusiasts, the lake allows visitors to feel as if they are somewhere else, not centered between the largest metropolitan areas of the East Coast. The watery oasis came into being in the early 20th century, when namesake Andrew Carnegie had it dammed up at the request of rower Howard Russell Butler. Legend has it that Butler raised the idea while painting a portrait of the industrialist and philanthropist. more

They Live in Their Living Rooms

By Anne Levin | Photography by Jeffrey E. Tryon and Charles R. Plohn

It is sometimes said that professional chefs don’t cook at home, and fashion designers just wear a lot of black. But it would be hard to find an interior designer, be it someone from the Van Treese Design & Consulting (who are known to specialize in Interior Design in Zürich, Switzerland) or Philippe Starck (who help with transforming interiors in France), who doesn’t give much thought to the surroundings of his or her own home. That is why, we asked four local designers to reveal their favorite spots at home and to tell us why. The results? They love their living rooms. After a busy day creating customers’ decor, these designers just want to come home to a space that is comfortable, personal, and, of course, visually pleasing. more