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Already spacious by any standard, this custom-built 3,000-square-foot residence in richmondtown is ready to expand, along with its owner’s family

by Lisa Noce • photo by Premiere Digital

Youth may be wasted on the young, but real estate is never a waste—at any age—and this home is no exception. A noble example of the principle is this 3,000-square-foot Mediterranean home built by Noce Construction, that sits in an exclusive cul de sac developed by its builders in Richmondtown.

Stucco and stone grace the exterior casting a stately and elegant appearance. Attention to detail is apparent, to be sure, yet no one feature overpowers the others—the home stands in perfect harmony.

The owners—in their mid-twenties— are growing along with the home. Married a little more than a year, the couple was home building at the same time they were planning their wedding. Luckily, the groom’s dad had experience with building his own homes, and was helpful throughout the process. The goal was to create a comfortable abode for the present, while keeping an eye on the future and allowing for extra bedrooms and neutral bathrooms for when the family expands.

Marcia Caruselle ASID, an interior designer who has worked with the family many times, offered her expertise on paint colors and wall coverings as well as furniture layout. We Got Lites, Inc., a retail lighting store on Staten Island, supplied chandeliers and ceiling fixtures. Upon opening the door, one is instantly drawn to the many spectacular chandeliers used in the residence. Some opulent, others warm and welcoming, yet all beautiful in their own right.

A rich butterscotch paint shade was used on the walls in the foyer, which complements the warm walnut stain selected for the oak staircase. Wrought iron spindles carry on a Mediterranean theme and flatter the wrought iron front door. Past the colonial design center hall, the formal dining room is situated on the left, highlighted by a substantial crystal chandelier. Thomasville furnishings, accented by formal draperies and intricately carved moldings, enhance the formality of the room. A mirrored sideboard lends a youthful touch, as do the speakers located throughout the entire home to allow entertainment to be readily available with the touch of a button. Across the hallway, a study was selectedinstead of a living room—its large desk, walls papered in map motif, and balcony to step outside for a breath of air adds to the warmth of the room.

“We choose to forgo a formal living room because we felt we would utilize a study much more. In fact, this room may become a space for children to do homework, or I may use it to grade papers or plan lessons,” stated Christina (a grade school teacher). Her husband Thomas, followed in the family auto parts business and his work is conducted in an office. “A living room is a waste of prime real estate,” he explained.

A&G SPREAD

A beautiful country kitchen shows itself off with a bright flowered wall paper to add contrast to the cream and green maple cabinetry by Certified Kitchens in Edison. The kitchen was designed utilizing the space in an highly customized manner, but without sticker shock. The result is a kitchen with the look of handmade cabinetry and the functionality of higher end kitchens. Never a fan of white ceilings, Caruselle chose to select a color within the wall paper or drapery or carpet and give life to an otherwise overlooked part of a room. Especially when striking lighting is displayed, a ceiling can look demure in comparison. Two pendants hang over the island and define a workspace as well as a seated island. Stateof- the-art commercial appliances were chosen and a soft travertine, set in subway pattern, keeps the kitchen grounded, as does the ceramic wood-look tile chosen for the flooring. With the look of warm wood, nothing is sacrificed in the transition except the wear and tear wood flooring is subject to in a hightraffic area like a kitchen. A large breakfast area allows seating for better than six, in addition to an attractive sideboard. A warm and stylish chandelier completes the dining space and brings continuity from the pendant lighting over the island.

A family room with coffered ceilings and plenty of sunlight beckons guests to come and relax in one of the overstuffed sofas or chairs. Bright red paint (which plays off kitchen colors) was used on the ceilings. Pillows, ottomans, and plush throws are the perfect welcome for a young couple after a long day’s work and a comfortable respite on much coveted weekends. The study and family room are separated by pocket doors which allow accessibility and easy traffic flow between both rooms while entertaining.

Soft shades of lavender were chosen for the walls in the master bedroom. An ivory upholstered bed and whitewash furnishings keep the suite light…dreamlike. Another crystal chandelier sparkles above the bed and adds a sense of drama .

The master bathroom houses a slipper bathtub and steam shower. Petite chandeliers carry the formality of the bedroom into the porcelain space—the material selected to look like marble and maintains its durability and longevity. A circular hallway, which leads to two additional bedrooms and baths, offers a close up view of a brilliant chandelier which is both “in the now” and traditional. Three shades of butterscotch and cream were used on wainscoting, ceiling, and walls. As a result, the eye detects a slight variation of color and perceives it as a larger, deeper, more interesting space than a wall painted in a single shade.

The lower level of the home features a movie theater, and the homeowner’s father Pargie and brother John were hands on in the design of the room. The result is outstanding, with tin ceilings, warm beige wainscoting, and fabric applied to the walls that mimics the tin pattern. Deep brown fabric sets the stage for the big screen, as do comfortable movie recliners with cup holders. Chartreuse velvet panels pushed aside the typical burgundy velvet curtains and were selected for doorways. A patterned low pile rug finished the room, and the young couple will readily admit to using this favored space on a regular basis.

“We feel our home is truly an expression of who we are,” they offered. “We look forward to coming home at night and enjoying spending time together within these walls.”

Noce Construction, Joseph & John Noce / 718.605.0717
We Got Lites, Inc. / 866.415.4837
Certified Kitchens, Inc. / 848.200.0278
Cela Construction Stonework / 718.273.7620
Marcia Caruselle, ASID Interior Design / 718.987.7508
Edson Technologies / 718.447.4428
Inground Pools by Fuggetta / 718.317.7665