Lakeshore Sophisticate

Refined detail, graceful forms, proportion, and symmetry combine with a subtle play of light to produce sublime beauty — to wit, the Latin inscription above the door reads "Returning fondly home."

AOME designed custom cast iron urns, typical of the level of detail in this home.

Details like the bollard urn require careful planning, artistry, and an understanding of materials as well as fabrication techniques.

Lakeshore — that suggestive, ephemeral, alluring dividing line — where the solid marries the liquid, rarely mirrored by the junction of public and private, inside and outside in the best lakeside homes.

All main floor view-side spaces open to the gracious terrace. “We love the way the family areas relate so well to the terrace and the lake.” — From a recent interview with the homeowner, Carolyn

Repeating ellipses create a unique stair rail. “Sometimes in the morning, I come downstairs and just stare. I can’t believe how beautiful it is.” — The homeowner, Carolyn, quoted during a magazine interview.

Each space has its own personality, from serene to sophisticated.

The Rumford fireplace in the living room sits opposite the soaring view windows.

Every detail is special, receiving lavish attention.

AOME designed this understated masonry fireplace flanked by cabinets concealing a large TV and displaying family heirlooms from North Africa.

The custom powder console was designed by AOME and built by Michael Rydinski of Decorative Metal Arts.

The cabinets to the left of the window conceal the master bedroom TV. The TV is larger than the cabinet; a hidden chamber borrows space from the attic to pull off this trick.

The master fireplace features a complex arrangement of deco ceramic tile trim pieces from Pratt & Larson.

The large laundry also functions as a private office, set apart from noisy family areas.

The laundry features a distressed crackle finish on the cabinetry, and a custom mosaic mural above the sink.

The owner's way of honoring and recalling her fond times working with AOME on the project, the laundry folding island features reproductions of the hand drawn details from throughout the home.