Rich Fabrics Add Texture and Warmth to Las Vegas Home
This Tuscan-influenced home designed by Rhonda Staley, IIDA, for her clients in a gated community of Summerlin in Las Vegas, is a case in point. The wife, a commercial real-estate developer builder, and her husband, were 30-something newlyweds when Rhonda was consulted for their first house, in a Mediterranean style, followed soon by another in the same neighborhood, also with Rhonda. Finally, in 2005, with the last enviable cul-de-sac lot for sale, her client agreed to sell again, if, this time, she could build a Tuscan style house of her dreams and furnish each room to the last detail – all 6,500 square feet. No matter Rhonda had moved to the Midwest between house #1 and #2. Traveling to Nevada once a-month for a week became routine for her to collaborate with architect, as well as interview cabinetmakers, shop for stone floors, marble, lighting, alderwood, doors, mantels, furnishings, and work with her custom workrooms.
The Living Room
It was the fabric on the living room sofa that inspired Rhonda for the home’s color scheme. The fabric, a damask of golds, raisin, and sage, is from the Pindler and Pindler Fabric Company’s Hearst Castle collection. Rhonda designed the sofa and had it custom made by her upholsterer in Las Vegas to suit the scale of the room. The stone mantel, tumbled stone floors from Walker Zanger, a bergere chair in gold leather and damask, the two fauteuils in a raisin velvet stripe, and large tapestry are framed by the gracefully draped window treatment.
The Dining Room
The formal dining room began with a strong architectural statement comprised of walnut stained structural ceiling beams, three sets of French doors opening to a secluded patio, and the continuation of the tumbled-edge stone floors. Rhonda chose an Italian-made chenille fabric for the dining chairs with a embroidered floral medallion pattern on the fronts of each chair. The iron and crystal chandelier is oval shaped. One end of the room has a relaxing bar where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and gaze through the Venetian glass windows of the wine cellar beyond.
The Study
A 14 st. copper-clad ceiling was the start of the study, and the carved wood mantel Rhonda located was set with St. Laurent’s marble. The walls were fauxed in a carmel-colored glaze to look like aged plaster, and the floors are a handsome walnut. Rhonda selected a thick caramel and brown chenille for the chairs, and designed the mirror over the mantel. The wool-like area rug in a chocolate and gold scroll pattern is a perfect compliment to the room, and the clients’ devoted Katrina-rescue dog.
The Master Bedroom
The master bedroom combines a more masculine leather headboard as well as a silk embroidered fabric for the canopy drapery and trim. Rhonda bought in a French stone mantel set with limestone, and found the rich-colored tapestry to set the warm and romantic tone of the room. A custom-designed area rug, Italian damask fabric on the bergere chair, walnut floors, and graceful chandelier contributes to the elegant suite. Rhonda designed the walnut and olive ash burl cabinet at the foot of the bed which houses a TV pop-up unit that swivels 360 degrees.
The Landscaping
Outside of the sliding French doors is a Koi pond, private patio, and lap pool entrance. A raised and stone-edged jacuzzi was planned to include an area for sunning, and there is a barbeque beyond. Behind the pool area is a private park for residents of the gated community, and the western mountains that border Las Vegas Valley complete the views.
The Exterior
Rhonda and her client researched Tuscan-style interior before choosing the stone facade,clay roof tiles, and stained wood eaves, The front study windows are dressed with Bermuda shutters, made of iron. Stamped, poured concrete and tile complement more rustic rock on columns around the pool area. The clients’ used ITalian cypress evergreens and lush shrubbery as well as planted jars.
Details
The foyer’s stained knotty alder arched doors were designed to include Venetian-style colored glass, influenced by the clients’ recent trip to Italy, and custom rustic iron handles. The pair of sconces and leather-seated settee were planned by Rhonda before the house had drywall. Later, she found a collection of architectural prints to complete the setting.
The formal powder room had its beginning with a stunning 6-feet wide cabinet sink. A rich plum colored background damask drapery separates the sink area from the water closet. The three-colored faux-painted walls look ages old over the plaster technique, a skip-trowel method. Rhonda asked for this texture throughout the entire home.
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