Forest Hills Luxury: Inside Dan Noble's Dream Home

Architect Damon Hills and his partner John Boschen transformed a derelict 1920s California bungalow in Northcote, purchased in 2013, into a modern, light-filled residence they now call the Light Box Home. The original property, a deceased estate, was in an unlivable condition due to neglect and significant odor issues, featuring an asbestos-ridden lean-to and an outdoor toilet. Despite its state, Hills recognized the potential of the house, situated in the desirable Sumner Estate near Merri Creek, an area known for its California bungalows. He appreciated the utilitarian design of bungalows and sought to preserve the home's classic facade while undertaking a comprehensive renovation. The renovation began with exterior modifications, replacing the pressed-metal roof with a corrugated-iron one, which was consistent with the original architectural style. Although constrained by heritage overlay regulations that prevented the addition of bay windows to the facade, the front two rooms, which now serve as the main and guest bedrooms, were retained. A key focus of the redesign was to enhance natural light, as the original house was notably dark. Hills addressed this by incorporating new windows on the sides of the front bedrooms and installing skylights throughout many rooms to maximize light penetration. The rotting blackbutt flooring in the wide hallway was replaced with new blackbutt, and a new bathroom was added behind the guest bedroom. This bathroom features a marble vanity, a luxurious tub, smaller wall tiles, and a herringbone floor pattern, with an innovative wet room design that places the bath beyond the shower to optimize space. The asbestos lean-to was demolished, making way for a new section of the house that includes a third guest bedroom (or study) and a powder room. This new area functions as a transitional space leading to a thoroughly modern living extension at the rear. The design accounted for the property's slope, utilizing it to create a slightly elevated new living section. This elevation allowed for the inclusion of clerestory windows around the top of the kitchen and dining areas, effectively filtering more light into the main living space. The modern kitchen is equipped with Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, a concealed fridge, three ovens (standard, steam, and microwave combi), and a warming drawer. A notable design element is the oversized island bench with a bespoke linear light fixture above it, which provides illumination and defines the space. The lounge area features a fireplace and a discreetly integrated television that blends into a black background when off. Glass doors open to a north-facing wooden deck, while floor-to-ceiling windows at the back maximize morning light from the easterly aspect. The architect strategically placed larger windows on the northerly and easterly sides for optimal light, with smaller windows on the south and west. The home is fitted with hydronic floor heating and a single split-system air conditioner, relying on excellent insulation for climate control. Hills emphasized the personal challenge of designing his own home compared to client projects, noting the intense scrutiny of every detail. He described the home as a luxurious and spacious sanctuary, a place he looks forward to returning to, even from travel. The postscript details Hills’ observations on visitors' comments, highlighting the unexpected sense of space and the barn doors in the powder room and laundry. His favorite spot is an Arana armchair by Jardan in the living room, facing the fireplace, from which he can view the entire space. His favorite item is "The Mythical Galloping Faun" painting by Jodie Zomer, noting its constant movement and new discoveries upon each viewing. The Arana armchair is also his most sentimental piece, having moved with them through four houses. He expressed a dream of living in a New York City brownstone and described his entertaining style as simple dinners with friends, often concluding with a lemon tart from Babka in Fitzroy. For Hills, home signifies a place of relaxation and unwinding, a special and luxurious space that brings comfort and joy. #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBungalow #LightBoxHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #NorthcoteRealEstate #DamonHills #SustainableDesign #LuxuryHome

NASCAR champion Denny Hamlin's 30,000-square-foot Lake Norman residence in Cornelius stands as a remarkable synthesis of high-tech amenities and sophisticated design, moving beyond the typical 'man cave' stereotype. Completed in approximately two years, the project began in 2014 and involved a collaborative effort between Hamlin, builder Ted Thompson of Thompson Custom Building Group, architect JJ Barja of Elite Design Group, and designer Scott Carpenter. Hamlin's vision for his home emphasized a nuanced aesthetic: masculine yet inviting, elegant yet playful. The design team opted for a modern, West Coast-inspired style, partly influenced by the property's elevated waterfront position on Lake Norman. The facade features large, white bricks, evoking a Malibu aesthetic while aiming for a timeless rather than trendy appeal. Texture plays a significant role throughout the home, reflecting Hamlin's specific request. Elements such as grasscloth wall coverings, slate and subway tiles, and a subtle herringbone pattern in the dark walnut floors contribute to a rich tactile experience. The strategic use of walnut, contrasted with marble, glass, and metal, ensures a warm ambiance without resorting to overly masculine decor like heavy leather furniture. A central design marvel is the floating walnut staircase, which wraps around a glass elevator. This feature, inspired by European designs, presented a unique challenge in residential construction, requiring expertise from commercial contractors. The result is an architectural highlight that resembles a luxury hotel installation. The master bedroom, shared by Hamlin and his girlfriend, offers panoramic lake views through expansive windows, leveraging the property's height. The space is intentionally furnished with minimal pieces to keep the focus on the vista, creating an airy atmosphere. Carpenter custom-designed the bed, situated on an elevated platform. The master suite also includes distinct his-and-her water closets, leading to walk-in closets and a spacious marble bathroom. This opulent bathroom features a glass-walled shower and a soaking tub, separated by a fireplace, which adds both warmth and a focal point. A gold leaf light fixture above the tub demonstrates Carpenter's philosophy of mixing metals to create diverse visual interest. Beyond these refined spaces, the mansion incorporates high-tech and recreational features. The family room boasts an extensive media wall capable of simultaneously displaying five different programs on five screens. The entire home is integrated with an ELAN technology system, installed by Brian Berg of Interactive Interiors, making it easy for anyone to control lighting (including the helipad lights), TVs, and music via control panels or a smartphone app. Recreational facilities include a full-length indoor basketball court with an electronic scoreboard and a viewing platform, a two-lane bowling alley nicknamed “Victory Lanes,” and a dedicated area for Hamlin’s racing trophies and memorabilia. A highlight is the glass garage bay housing Hamlin’s Daytona 500-winning racecar, complete with victory confetti still adhering to its chassis. Purple and orange accents, mirroring Hamlin’s primary sponsor, FedEx, are subtly incorporated into these entertainment areas. The sheer scale of the 30,000-square-foot property was noted by the project team as the biggest challenge they had undertaken. #LuxuryHome #LakeNorman #DennyHamlin #NASCARDriver #CustomHomeDesign #HighTechHome #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The residence at 4136 Rainsong Drive in the Bent Tree West neighborhood is presented as a one-of-a-kind, move-in-ready home with a transitional design, ideal for a staycation lifestyle. The property is highlighted as being luxurious from top to bottom, featuring high ceilings on both levels, crown molding, tailored finishes, and solid hand-scraped wood flooring. The home's strategic location offers convenient access to popular educational institutions like Mitchell Elementary School and Plano West Senior High School, as well as shopping destinations such as The Galleria via the Dallas North Tollway. Despite its proximity to these amenities, the residence maintains a secluded and protected environment within the community, ensuring an oasis-like atmosphere free from urban noise. The interior design emphasizes both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is described as a "showstopper" equipped with a commercial-style, cherry red Viking gas range and a walk-in pantry. The floor plan is intentionally designed for privacy and convenience, featuring a primary bedroom and a guest suite on the first floor that are separated. This layout is noted as a significant advantage in the current real estate market. The home is filled with natural light, contributing to its inviting ambiance. For entertainment, the property includes a wine room, an upstairs game room for children, and a well-appointed backyard. The outdoor space is designed for adult relaxation and socializing, boasting a covered patio, a fire pit, and a pool with a spa. The description suggests that the home is not merely a turn-key property but offers a complete lifestyle, suitable for owners seeking a perfectly located, updated, and thoughtfully laid-out residence. The article is a sponsored post by Allie Beth Allman & Associates, with Susan Bradley promoting the property. Bradley emphasizes the home's perfection, from its ideal location to its meticulous updates and functional layout. The narrative underscores the ease of living and entertaining facilitated by the home's design and amenities, making it an attractive option for potential buyers in the Dallas area. #LuxuryHome #BentTreeWest #DallasRealEstate #HomeDesign #ModernLiving #StaycationHome #TransitionalDesign #RealEstate

This article highlights a modern Paradise Valley home, a collaboration between RMB Luxury Real Estate, Tomecak Design, and Bellflower Design. The initial architectural inspiration for the home came from Mark Tomecak, whose Serbian background influenced a simplistic and European modern styling. Debra Richardson, the interior designer at RMB Luxury Real Estate, designed a floor plan that prioritizes a spacious, family-friendly residence with extensive indoor and outdoor entertainment options. The core focus of the design team was to maximize every square foot to create a modern-marvel entertainer’s dream home. A key design priority was to emphasize the stunning sunsets and views of Camelback Mountain. This was achieved through the incorporation of ten-foot-high sliding doors that open on both sides, creating a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces. The home was sold during the drywall stage, allowing the buyers to provide input on the finishes. Lead designer Richardson employed a palette of pure whites, soft grays, and bold blacks, while secondary areas featured softer, warmer tones. The new homeowners desired a residence that matched the high-end features found in luxury properties in the Los Angeles area, particularly seeking the flexibility to transform the space into a 'swanky nightclub' for entertaining. To meet this request, an intricate sound system with multi-colored LED lighting was installed both inside and outside, creating a dynamic visual and auditory experience. The exterior entertainment area is lavish, featuring a 70-foot pool, a 12-person jacuzzi, and various seating arrangements. Key design elements and resources used in the home include Arizona Tile for kitchen countertops, island, fireplace accents, bathroom tiles, and outdoor flooring. ET2 Contemporary Lighting provided fixtures for the entryway, dining room, and primary bedroom, while Modern Forms supplied kitchen lighting. McKenzie Custom Built Cabinets crafted the kitchen cabinetry. RH Modern furnished the living room with couches, accent tables, and rugs, and the bedrooms with beds and dressers. Sherwin-Williams paints were used for the walls, and Simplicity Home Automation was responsible for the LED lighting system. The flooring in the living room is Arizona Tile’s Super White imported porcelain, complementing the RHM furniture. The finished home was well-received, even earning approval from reality television personalities Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae Young during a tour, who praised its finishes and clever design. #ParadiseValleyHome #ModernDesign #LuxuryRealEstate #EntertainersDream #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeAutomation #CustomFinishes