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Redesigning a Modern Space: A Blend of Warmth and Masculinity
In a recent interior design project, noted designer Ruttenberg faced the challenge of creating a living space that exudes warmth and humanity while preserving its masculine essence. He aimed to maintain the classic architectural features of the home, including its elegant moldings and parquet floors.
At the heart of the living room, Ruttenberg chose a mid-century black leather sofa by Design Research Inc. as the anchor piece. This sophisticated furniture served as a foundation for the room’s design. To add a layer of comfort and style, he incorporated a gently scalloped cotton rug in a soothing pastel green and selected a fabric club chair with a polished steel and brass swivel base alongside a chic rolling vanity chair made of lucite. A striking Brick Screen by designer Eileen Gray adds a unique aesthetic touch.
Ruttenberg’s color choice for the entryway and kitchen reflects his design philosophy. He opted for a sumptuous bluish-green hue, blending warmth with a cool, modern edge. This theme continues into the breakfast nook, designed to be an inviting space filled with natural light, emphasizing a cozy atmosphere.
The living room features a standout piece: a custom-designed daybed, upholstered by Red Threads. This multifunctional furniture serves not only as a comfortable spot for reading and relaxing but also as a storage solution. “I envisioned a place where the client could work or unwind without being in bed,” explains Ruttenberg. The daybed’s prime location in the northeast corner of the room allows it to take advantage of views from three different windows, making it a perfect fit for its surroundings. Its close proximity to the dining table encourages interaction and liveliness among guests.
Ruttenberg has seamlessly woven many of his unique custom pieces throughout the space. Notably, a console table near the sofa was designed collaboratively with a local kitchen supply company. “It all started on a napkin,” Ruttenberg recalls, emphasizing the spontaneous creativity that shaped the design. Delivered just two weeks later, the console houses audio equipment, cleverly concealing the wiring that extends to a record player perched on top. Music is central to the client’s lifestyle, as evidenced by a repurposed deep fryer serving as a quirky holder for a collection of vinyl records, including albums by Roxy Music, Townes Van Zandt, and Talking Heads.
Visually, Ruttenberg’s design elements create a harmonious flow, connecting various features within the space. Sculptures resembling the client’s dog serve as playful drawer pulls for the banquette, while antique lug nuts transform into eccentric bookends. A cocktail table—crafted by Ruttenberg himself from industrial piping—acts as a functional separator between the sofa seating while featuring an inlaid backgammon board for casual entertainment.
The dining area also reflects this balance of textures and styles. Ruttenberg designed a pedestal dining table in reflective glass, flanked by a custom banquette featuring a subtly striped blue cushion, which harmonizes with the natural wicker and wood of Vico Magistretti Carimate Chairs. This blend of hard and soft elements encapsulates the overall design ethos—creating a space that is both functional and visually engaging, celebrating personal tastes while ensuring comfort and sophistication in equal measures.
Ruttenberg’s efforts to create a modern yet inviting space successfully merge the client’s needs and personality with a refined design approach. The project stands as a striking illustration of contemporary interior design, emphasizing both individual expression and timeless style.
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