The Worldly Executive's Pied a Terre
One of our favorite clients was a gentleman who was a referral. He is a highly successful loss prevention executive, and needed a place to rest his feet when was on project in McLean, Virginia. His primary home, on Florida’s Gold Coast was a dazzling condo that set the bar for this project. My challenge was two fold; not having much time to truly meet with this busy business traveler and a short and vague directive. His condo keys were relayed to me, with a message; “I’ll be back in ten days, and I’d like to stay in my new place.” He was bringing nothing with him (nor did he have any art or furniture in storage).
One facet of our business that we pride ourselves in is the skill that enables us to create a home that reflects the owner’s history, interests and entertainment style. This project was going to be from scratch and require a ‘soup to nuts’ level of completion. It also required us to take snippets of the client’s history and create a home that truly was his own place. Intriguing? Impossible in a week? Yes, and not totally!
The view of the empty condo after being handed the key
I was able to order, purchase and collect all the furnishings to fill the rooms. I also sourced art that represented his living in Manhattan and Zurich, and produced luxury kitchen appointments: cookware, pots and pans, and all the domestic accoutrements needed for entertaining up to twelve guests. Additionally, I needed to have the new bed made with freshly laundered Italian linens, have toothpaste in the correct drawer in the bathroom, and beverages chilled in the Sub Zero.
Stunned, our client was nearly speechless upon entering. First off, he couldn’t imagine that we would even have a bed set up, let alone fresh towels, fresh flowers and even candy in the candy dish. His expectations were of far less, having brought along his packed bags and a shopping bag containing soap, toilet paper and a towel.
I was extremely happy to have met our goals! We had provided a place that did feel like home for Mr. S, but also surpassed his expectations by far.
LEFT: The kitchen was beautifully appointed, but lacked personality.
BELOW: By adding strong traditional design elements (and accessories such as the bold and clever ‘Carpe diem’ Scrabble art) we were able to convey the life and character of the fascinating man who called this his own.
Before and after comparisons of the Master Bedroom and terrace.
As a surprising compliment, Mr. S sold the apartment complete down to the books on the coffee table.
I’ve never been as flattered as to hear a new buyer loved everything ‘just like it is’ and bought it all!