Latest news with #Calacatta
Tatler Asia
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: Inside an Italian farmhouse-inspired retreat in Happy Valley, Hong Kong
The homeowners—a couple who love to entertain—had a clear vision: a home that could cater to gatherings with family and friends, while reflecting their passion for music, cooking, and a warm, rustic aesthetic. It's a perfect fit with the Italian farmhouse look and feel, which Chan describes as a style that invites individuals to relax and connect with their surroundings'. She adds, 'From the outset, our goal was to create a home that embodies casual elegance and embraces the open nature of the environment.' Read now: Home tour: Inside Kai-yin Lo's Hong Kong home—a treasure trove of antiques and her prized jewellery design Upon entering the apartment, the rare wraparound terrace immediately stands out; it not only enhances the sense of space but also brings the outdoors in—an unusual luxury in Hong Kong. 'Having this kind of outdoor space in such an urban environment is unique, and we wanted to make the most of it.' Inside, Chan and her team undertook a major layout change. A long corridor leading to the private spaces is extended, creating concealed storage—a priority for the client, says Chan. One section towards the end of the corridor was transformed into an open playroom for the children, providing them with a dedicated space to play away from the communal areas of the home and spend time as a family. Modern farmhouses blend vintage and contemporary elements, a design language that can be observed throughout the entirety of the home, says Chan. Wood is a central theme throughout the apartment, from the bespoke cabinetry to the polished hardwood floors. This is paired with a striking selection of marble. 'In this residence, a dialogue unfolds between wood and marble—two contrasting yet beautifully natural materials,' she says. The kitchen features pristine Calacatta marble countertops on an island and a La Cornue 110 range with polished brass accents. In the powder room, bold onyx red marble and Algerian Tale wallpaper by Mind The Gap create a sense of surprise and whimsy. 'We envisioned the powder room as a stunning jewel box, where creativity knows no bounds,' says Chan. The project took eight months from conception to completion, with two months dedicated to the design and planning phase. 'The clients for this project were incredibly tasteful and a pleasure to work with,' says Chan. 'From the outset, they placed great trust in our team and were open to our design suggestions.' A highlight of the project, says Chan, was redesigning the study as an extension of the master bedroom; it allowed natural light to flow between both areas, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. But the most personal and emotional part of it was 'the moment when a space truly comes to life', Chan adds. 'It's often the details that resonate the most. Each choice contributes to an environment that is deeply personal and reflective of how our clients live. It is a true home. 'Witnessing how a thoughtfully designed space can enhance daily life, evoke cherished memories, and inspire creativity is really what fuels our passion as a firm. It's what makes every project memorable and fulfilling.'
Business Insider
17-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
A Bridgewater exec is still trying to sell his private island. He cut its price — and threw in a mainland house with a dock.
Even private islands come with problems. One is the hassle of ferrying family members, guests, and goods back and forth from the mainland. The new $30 million listing for Rogers Island off the coast of Connecticut, owned by Bridgewater Associates' co-chief investment officer Greg Jensen, offers a solution. The island, which is $5 million cheaper than when it first listed last year, comes with a five-bedroom home on the mainland that has a private dock. "This gives you the perfect launching point to get to the island," said Leslie McElwreath, of Sotheby's, who now has the listing with her colleague Joseph Barbieri. Typically, Rogers and other nearby islands, all part of the Thimble Islands, are serviced by a public ferry that makes multiple stops throughout the day. Now, Rogers Islands' new owner can get to the island directly and seamlessly. Property records show Rogers Island was purchased by an LLC for $21.5 million in 2018; The Wall Street Journal later identified Jensen as the buyer. Jensen first listed the island in June of 2024 for $35 million. Rogers Island has multiple houses, a pool, a tennis court, and a putting green designed by famed golfer Jack Nicklaus. The New York area's financial elite have long had trophy homes in Connecticut. Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio and hedge fund boss Steve Cohen own palatial estates in Greenwich, which is a ferry ride and 60 miles from the Thimble Islands. Take a look around Rogers Island. Rogers Islands is part of the Thimble Islands, a smattering of 365 tiny islands off the coast of Branford, Connecticut, in the Long Island Sound. A 1.1-acre property on nearby Potato Island sold for over $4 million in 2020. In 2017, eight of the islands were listed altogether for $50 million, the New Haven Independent reported. The main house on Rogers Island was built in 1902. The sprawling mansion totals 8,746 square feet. Jensen renovated the main house in 2024, adding Calacatta marble countertops, luxury kitchen appliances, and a new wet bar. The main house has 10 bedrooms. Rogers Island also has a four-bedroom guesthouse, an artist's studio, a tennis court, and a pool. The artist's studio has its own outdoor shower. The pergola beside the pool is intended for seaside dining. Many of the island's 7.7 acres are meticulously landscaped. There are three private beaches on the island. The putting green was designed by famous golfer Jack Nicklaus. The mainland house last sold for $4.3 million on its own, according to McElwreath, the listing agent. The mainland home with a dock allows for easy boat parking and direct access to Rogers Island. The house, which last traded hands for $4.3 million, is now a deal-sweetener of sorts for the $30 million private island.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
These furniture trends will define elite homes in 2025, prepare to be obsessed
Luxury furniture in 2025 is all about timeless craftsmanship, rich materiality and contemporary expression. In 2025, luxury is not just about aesthetics; it is about authenticity, craftsmanship and a deep connection to the materials and techniques that shape our home interiors or living spaces. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Roheena Nagpal, Principal Designer at Rvvardé, shared that each piece tells a story—one of heritage, passion and a commitment to excellence. She revealed, 'Expect a resurgence of artisanal woodworking, where heritage techniques meet modern silhouettes. Hand-carved details, organic textures and a play of light and shadow will define statement pieces, making them more than just functional elements—they'll be works of art.' According to Roheena Nagpal, material innovation is key, with an emphasis on responsibly sourced solid wood, intricate metal inlays and hand-applied finishes that celebrate natural imperfections. She suggested, 'Rich, earthy palettes—deep walnuts, charred blacks, and muted golds—will bring warmth and depth to spaces. Sculptural forms will take center stage, favoring fluidity over rigid structures, while handcrafted joinery ensures longevity and uniqueness.' Bringing her expertise to the same, Deepika Goyal, Founder of Popcorn Atelier, opined, 'Luxury furniture in 2025 is defined by the elegance of metal, marble and wood, with a focus on craftsmanship and statement designs. Sculptural metal furniture in antique brass, brushed gold and polished chrome is making a bold impact, bringing sophistication and shine to interiors.' She pointed out, 'Marble remains a timeless choice, with richly veined varieties like Calacatta and Nero Marquina being used for coffee tables, dining surfaces, and console tables, adding an air of opulence. Wood, especially in dark, richly grained finishes like walnut and ebony, is taking center stage in bespoke cabinetry, statement chairs, and artisanal dining tables.' The expert concluded, 'Customisation is key, with intricate metal inlays and sculpted wooden forms elevating the aesthetic. Expect to see a blend of these luxurious materials in furniture that is both artistic and functional, where sleek metallic accents complement the natural beauty of marble and the warmth of finely crafted wood.'
The Age
02-05-2025
- General
- The Age
Rave venue to Wabi-sabi: Imperfect makeover for trendy Surry Hills pad
The Japanese call it Wabi-sabi, the art of imperfection. Architect Oliver Du Puy has perfected a touch of that sensibility in a gutted apartment in Sydney's trendy Surry Hills. 'There's beauty in imperfections that creates a sense of timelessness,' says Du Puy, pointing out some of the finishes, such as the micro cement, in the walls of the two-bedroom pad. Having worked in Japan, Du Puy acknowledges his views are shaped by architect Kazuo Shinohara, who declared 'a house is a work of art'. Set across an entire 220 square metre level, the residence sits below the award-winning Droga apartment, a sinuous structure clad in aluminium tiles designed by Durbach Block Jaggers and completed in 1997 that is now considered a landmark in the hood. Du Puy's footprint, occupying the early 20th-century building below, is far more recessive, with steel-framed windows set into the brown bricks. 'The building itself has a colourful history, including being used as a squat for a number of years and, from what I'm told, this apartment was scene to a number of rave parties,' says Du Puy. Before being gutted, the space was used by a creative agency which carved up the original detailing and internal areas with a series of partitions. Loading False ceilings concealed the chunky concrete beams and the octagonal 700-millimetre-wide concrete columns, masked in plaster, thought to be the work of the eminent civil engineer Sir John Monash, were discovered in the renovation. 'I've always been drawn to the pure elements in a space,' says Du Puy, keen to express the structure rather than add superfluous detail. Hence, the original 100-year-old jarrah floors were simply buffed and the structure, columns and beams were cleaned up and the graffiti removed. The kitchen is discreetly located to one side of the open-plan dining and living area, with a Calacatta marble island bench thoughtfully positioned between two octagonal columns. A bank of stainless-steel joinery, including a splashback, further allows the structure of the interior to be expressed – concealing everything from the fridge and pantry to the wine fridge.
Sydney Morning Herald
02-05-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rave venue to Wabi-sabi: Imperfect makeover for trendy Surry Hills pad
The Japanese call it Wabi-sabi, the art of imperfection. Architect Oliver Du Puy has perfected a touch of that sensibility in a gutted apartment in Sydney's trendy Surry Hills. 'There's beauty in imperfections that creates a sense of timelessness,' says Du Puy, pointing out some of the finishes, such as the micro cement, in the walls of the two-bedroom pad. Having worked in Japan, Du Puy acknowledges his views are shaped by architect Kazuo Shinohara, who declared 'a house is a work of art'. Set across an entire 220 square metre level, the residence sits below the award-winning Droga apartment, a sinuous structure clad in aluminium tiles designed by Durbach Block Jaggers and completed in 1997 that is now considered a landmark in the hood. Du Puy's footprint, occupying the early 20th-century building below, is far more recessive, with steel-framed windows set into the brown bricks. 'The building itself has a colourful history, including being used as a squat for a number of years and, from what I'm told, this apartment was scene to a number of rave parties,' says Du Puy. Before being gutted, the space was used by a creative agency which carved up the original detailing and internal areas with a series of partitions. Loading False ceilings concealed the chunky concrete beams and the octagonal 700-millimetre-wide concrete columns, masked in plaster, thought to be the work of the eminent civil engineer Sir John Monash, were discovered in the renovation. 'I've always been drawn to the pure elements in a space,' says Du Puy, keen to express the structure rather than add superfluous detail. Hence, the original 100-year-old jarrah floors were simply buffed and the structure, columns and beams were cleaned up and the graffiti removed. The kitchen is discreetly located to one side of the open-plan dining and living area, with a Calacatta marble island bench thoughtfully positioned between two octagonal columns. A bank of stainless-steel joinery, including a splashback, further allows the structure of the interior to be expressed – concealing everything from the fridge and pantry to the wine fridge.
