PHOTOS BY DAVID DIETRICH
Simplify, simplify, simplify. It could be the mantra of overworked, overstressed two-career couples everywhere. For Lisa and Gus Campano, it meant rethinking their venue. With two teenaged boys, their social and business ventures constantly drew them into downtown Hendersonville. They decided to trade gracious country living on Lake Summit for a more compact in-town residence. But for the Campanos, downsizing didn’t mean compromising. Their new space would be simpler, but certainly not Spartan.
The Campano’s Beacon Commons condominium is an example of stylish urban living at its best. The residential units in the complex share territory with 20,000 square feet of commercial space below, covering an entire block in Downtown Hendersonville. In fact, the couple’s business office is just downstairs, lending a new twist to the term "living above the shop."
The 2,300-square-foot, two-level condo is the only industrial-style unit in the complex. The open framework with concrete floors and walls, and towering ceilings with exposed heating ducts, is not for the faint hearted when it comes to making a space a home. The Campanos were well suited to the task, however. Gus, a prominent local builder, has a degree in architectural technology and structural management, and Lisa is an interior designer, so modifying the original design of the condo to suit their needs was relatively easy for them.
The couple also had a definite vision. "We were looking for an easy-to-maintain, no-frills, very clean look," explained Lisa. "A modern loft design with one fluid, uninterrupted room incorporating the kitchen, dining and living areas."
The kitchen is the first thing a visitor sees when stepping through the front door and the Campanos knew they needed to create a dynamic first impression — a focal point to set the tone and provide the "wow factor." They achieved it with a towering stainless steel, European-style hood from the GE Monogram series. It immediately draws the eye and acts as an anchor from which all other design elements radiate.
Behind the clean lines of the hood is a lustrous backsplash with one-inch-square, black-glass tiles by Daltile inset in a wall of streamlined cherry cabinetry. The long center island with a blue pearl granite countertop offers seating on one side, a very square and very deep double Blanco sink on the other and lots of prep space. Stainless appliances match the hood. The combination of industrial high-tech and the richness of the finishes add depth, warmth and a dash of pizzazz to a very contemporary space.
But it’s the little touches that make this kitchen so inspiring. Design features alleviate the potential harshness of the concrete backdrop, appeal to the senses and distinguish each separate area for its defined purpose. At one end of the island is one of Lisa’s favorite touches and what she jokingly calls her "lima bean." It’s a glass panel shaped like its name, mounted on stainless steel supports a few inches above the kitchen island. It’s used to display art pieces or plants. "We needed something to separate the kitchen from the dining area visually," says Gus, "and this really does that."
The lima bean has a clone too, hanging right above it like a mirror image. But this time it’s a custom-made, stainless steel panel, which anchors the amber-colored pendant lighting. The lights reflect the cabinetry’s rich cherry sheen and contribute to the visual separation between the prep and dining areas.
"The soffit above was interfering with the placement of the lights," explains Lisa, "so by attaching the steel panel asymmetrically to the soffit, I’ve been able to position the lights where I want them." It solves the lighting dilemma, and also makes a singular, eye-catching addition. A mix of funky linear and semicircular track lighting, and gracefully arcing accent lights over the tall cabinets add even more interest, juxtaposing straight lines and soft, sweeping curves.
The glass-topped dining table stands alone as a piece of art on a striking, sculptural, stainless steel base. The chairs, two of which are double-seat benches, are topped with gracefully fashioned steel backrests. The modular patterned rug anchors the dining area and reflects the geometric quality of the space.
"I especially love the way the concrete wall panels and floors turned out. We had the walls softened with color wash in different shades taken from my color palette," explains Lisa. "The floor has a stain to make it more uniform, and three layers of polyurethane for durability and protection."
The end result is vibrant, functional and very livable. But is there anything they miss from their old lifestyle? "Yes…barbecuing outside," laughs Lisa. She may not be missing it for long. Gus is already eyeing the rooftop for a garden terrace — complete with barbecue.
