a Staten island home goes from dated to ‘hollywood glam,” with luxurious accents, a touch of shine, and plenty of blues and grays

by JENNIFER VIKSE • Photos By Robert Nuzzie

When this issue’s Spotlight homeowner decided to purchase a house in the Annadale section of Staten Island, she knew she wanted to give the old structure a new and exciting look. So, she reached out to an old friend, Annmarie Ruta of Annmarie Ruta Interiors, LLC, to help realize her vision.

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“I’m very fortunate to have repeat clients,” noted Ruta, who had previously designed a traditional home for the same client. “This was a massive renovation, and she completely trusted my instincts and vision regarding the design and renovation.”

The house, which was built in the 1970s, has high ceilings and plenty of windows, and Ruta made good use of both in the redesign. The result, she said, is a transitional home that encompasses both modern and traditional elements.

“My vision for her home—knowing her well—was glam,” Ruta said. “Hollywood glam (also known as 1930 Hollywood Regency) is synonymous with saturated jewel tones, mirrors (and mirrored furniture), eclectic accessories, metallics, richly tufted furniture, patterned wallpaper…just about anything fancy. Maximalism is the watchword. If it’s opulent, stunning, or sparkling, it’s Glam Design. I believe we have achieved that style.”

In the living room, Ruta took a large, 20-foot stone fireplace and gave it a
modern look, setting it into the wall and opting for a glass front. Next to the fireplace, a glamorous vintage-type chair in silver painted wood and upholstered velvet sits beside a crystal floor lamp.

Northwell B22 SPREAD

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The room’s wallpaper is classic damask that also features an element of crystal. The gray couches are covered in plush velvet with nail heads, and a chaise, a 48-inch round white leather tufted cocktail ottoman, and a custom carpet sit atop the high-shine floor. The original wood floors were carefully re-stained, and the mahogany inlay is dark enough to offer some dramatic contrast to the space.

The ceiling, whose dark gray mimics the color of the sofas, gives a mirror image of high and low.

“I like to bring that darker element into the space,” said Ruta, pointing out that the chandelier therein is a transitional spear style, but with the elegance of a classic crystal fixture.

A skylight adds natural light to the room, and simple window coverings—a nice mix of classic elegance and a touch of glam—complete the space.

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The kitchen is a stunning yet functional showpiece. It features Shaker-style white painted custom kitchen cabinets with Swarovski knobs and pulls, a mirror, a white-frosted-glass combination back-splash in a brick pattern, and a distinctive stainless steel stove hood.

Flooring throughout is 24- by 48-inch Calacatta porcelain tile imported from Italy.

“The island is topped with a high polished rare stone named Labrodite Blue, which features amazing blue crystal highlights,” Ruta explained, adding that the rest of the counters are done in a honed black soapstone, which has a flat, leatherlike look. The room also features a vaulted ceiling and three pendants—mini Swarovski crystal chandeliers—hanging gracefully over the island.

A standout in the kitchen is a special dog-feeding cabinet complete with a floating shelf for the homeowner’s pet.

“She’s in love with her dog,” said Ruta, “but always complained that she’d be kicking the water bowl. We created a cabinet for the bowl, suspended to match the dog’s height.”

From the kitchen, there is a see-through that leads to the cigar lounge, as well as entry to both the living and dining rooms. The dining room, which picks up the blues from the kitchen, has a table made of vintage wood with inlays of antique mirror, and a server to match. Coordinated dining chairs are custom-made vintage wood with distinctive fabric insets. The room sits under a large chandelier that echoes the pendant lighting from the kitchen.

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The cigar lounge—a classic space suitable for entertainment needs—features splashes of cobalt blue, its comfortable couches ultra-suede tufted pieces.

“Here you appreciate that pop of blue again, in the frieze [custom shag] rug,” Ruta explained. In addition, leather tufted ottomans and a crystal chandelier with a vintage look beckon, while a one-of-a-kind blue piece functions as an end table. The silky, shaggy couch pillows continue the blue motif.

Ruta likes to pair somewhat unexpected elements in her spaces. In the cigar room, it’s a set of animal-print custom upholstered chairs flanking the white fireplace. The room is outfitted with a range of amenities, including a humidor, a wine fridge, a sound system, an ice maker, and a liquor cabinet, all set beneath an oval crystal chandelier.

“The décor gives the lounge an ultra-elegant glow, using luxe, high-end pieces, crystals, and eccentric silk fringe pillows. That’s the beauty of glamorous interiors—they make a powerful statement,” Ruta noted.

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The posh look continues in the master bedroom, where a mirrored and tufted headboard and footboard make up the master retreat. Done in shiny damasks and reminiscent of the living room, the bedding is all custom made. The bed sits on a brilliantly shiny wood floor, and there are matching bedside tables on either side. A dressing bench sits under the minimally dressed window.

The master en suite offers a large, luxurious spa-like experience with a TV and polished chrome accents throughout. It features mirrored twin vanities, porcelain tile, a soaking tub, and a glass shower and steam unit equipped with body sprays and rain heads. The room also features a tray ceiling with cove lighting and two large crystal chandeliers.

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Like much of the house, the office is part modern and part vintage, done with damask on an accenting wall, while the room is essentially silver and gray. The large desk has a leather top and crystal inlays, and a notably tall executive leather chair with black lacquer trim alongside a white diamond diamante pattern completes the set, along with a white frieze rug.

The powder room has a retro flair to it. A black-and white hexagonal marble inlay on the floor gives way to a black high-gloss lacquered Art Deco vanity with a white glass top and sink.

“All of the moldings are high-gloss black—it really adds a ‘Wow!’ factor,” noted Ruta. The tray ceiling is done with black surround underneath, with white snakeskin covering on the walls and between the ceiling layers. The chandelier is composed of white glass.

The oasis continues outdoors, where a freeform pool is surrounded by lush landscaping.

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Annmarie Ruta Interiors, LLC
134 Milden Avenue / 917.294.4100 / elegantinteriorsbyannmarie.com