Eric Smith Designing a Connecticut Home that’s a Nature Lover’s Dream

Photo of author
Written By Jim J Neal

Durston SaylorArchitect Eric Smith used a mixture of old and new when decorating a greenwich oasis. He transformed furniture belonging to the homeowner and made the new pieces feel more at home in the Frank Lloyd Wright-esque house that is nestled in a quiet forest.
Explore the whole abode, which may or not make you feel ready to move into the woods.

The Study/Kitchenette

Durston SaylorSmith reveals that the choice of furnishings for the home’s study was made with the owner’s Sam Maloof desk chairs, which he had bought years ago and still loves. “We used that inspiration to [purchase] new furniture and had the rest custom-made.”

Durston Saylor
Sam Maloof Woodworker. Side Chairs Desk: Custom. Credenza by Tim Mahoney, Mahoney Woodworks. Side table: Shades of Light.

The Gallery

Durston SaylorIn designing this home’s gallery, Smith explained that the goal was to “create a built expression [of] an artist’s creative processes, from start to end.” The process started by sliding back a solid oak portal. Next, the gallery was lit up with poets and then passing through the 1,700 volumes of poetry which offer inspiration.
The architect says that you will next step through the 30-inch thick stone walls. One actually feels like they are leaving the structure. [Then, go] through the portal into the three-sided, full height glass writer’s space, which is suspended above the descending ravine. The 180-degree view features the poet’s desk at the center. At mid-tree height, the forest surrounds the poet. Smith adds that Smith says Smith is pleased with the “view and space” provided here for reflection and solace, allowing the creative work to start.

Exterior

Durston SaylorThe owner of the home “requested a spot in the woods to his art,” Smith reveals. “The story was one of discovering and restoring a stone barn, and setting up a wood-lined studio within it.”
The architect adds that the materials used are simple-stone, wood and glass. Smith ensured that Smith used “shadows” and strategically placed glass panels. He also made sure that wood did not touch the stone walls, floors, walls or ceilings.

Durston Saylor

Did you miss our previous article…
https://tophouseimprovement.com/decor/this-pittsburgh-family-home-is-always-bustling-with-two-kids-two-dogs-and-two-bunnies-ramsey-lyons/