80 AUTUMN 2026 ASPIREDESIGNANDHOME.COM 81 “One of our favorite memories is watching our college-aged daughter and her friends make the lower level of the house their own gathering place,” the clients share. “There is always so much laughter, music and easy conversation. Seeing the house become a place where friendships can grow and memories are made has been incredibly meaningful to us.” Since lighting is a very important feature for the clients and they wanted to maximize it in all rooms, Russell describes, “We incorporated recessed lights throughout but kept them on their own zone, separate from the decorative fixtures. The overhead decorative lights are also kept on their own zone on dimmers, which allows for fully customizable layers of lighting, depending on the occasion. For example, when entertaining, the recessed lights can be completely off, while the decorative fixtures are set to create the perfect ambiance.” Treasures acquired from traveling and living abroad are displayed throughout the home. A Burmese Buddha rests in a small alcove in a curved hallway off the living room. A Balinese brass gong hangs on a wall in a guest bedroom, and an ironwood table, acquired while living in Papua, New Guinea, Indonesia, sits in the dining area of the lower level. The blend of high design with the vernacular invests the home with a clear individuality. A vintage Chinese wooden bench sits at the foot of the bed in the primary suite; a simple, well-worn ladder finds a new purpose as a drying rack in the laundry room. Every detail speaks to another. Space, light and water views do the rest. RIGHT: Custom cabinetry by Nicholas James Fine Woodworking houses appliances, the utility sink and a custom dog-feeding area in the laundry room. BELOW LEFT: An inviting Avalon tub by Native Trails anchors the primary bathroom. The Venus chandelier by Arteriors is made of saddle oyster shells. BELOW RIGHT: An ombre-fringed chandelier by M2C Studio and a vintage Chinese wood bench add to the textural interest of the primary bedroom. ABOVE: In the office, a Zaria Chandelier by Arteriors hangs above a custom, double-sided, walnut desk by Bricker and Beam. LEFT: The vanity and floating shelf in the powder room are made from salvaged wood by Nicholas James Fine Woodworking.