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napa estate
Nestled along the crest of a 130-acre mountain ridge in the Napa Valley, sits an elegant, but casual, “camp-chic” estate. The expansive property contrasts layered modernity with a Spartan placidity—intelligently connecting the dwelling’s arrestingly detailed interiors with the lowland’s rugged surroundings.
An incredibly dynamic procession begins with a double-height great room linked to the covered porch by an expansive retractable glass wall and culminates at the dramatic infinity pool perched upon the mountain edge. Inside the main volume, a generous living and open dining room features an oversized sinuously curved Nakashima wood-plank dining table. Above this tableau, a shimmering chandelier provides a visual anchor and a soft twinkle echoing the starry sky.
The kitchen features a magnificent oversized marble island that provides ample room to prepare large family meals. The rich bespoke oak cabinetry is complimented by a handmade metal and seeded-glass pendant. The custom leather-wrapped breakfast banquette, stone table and vintage brass pendants, combine old and new for a serene congenial ambiance. Nearby, the wine room accommodates a substantial collection—a necessity for the Napa Valley lifestyle.
The private areas of the home include an impressive master suite with a unique carved bed, also by famed woodworker Nakashima, sited on axis to the breathtaking views. A cocktail table of petrified coal with polished top and bright zinc butterfly joints, by artist Jim Zivic, is flanked by rare mid-century walnut chairs. The lavish master bath opens to a private outdoor spa, offering his and her open-air showers and a romantic secret garden— all with infinite views of the peaked mountain tops—a bucolic experience laced with modern luxury.
At a comfortable distance, the two-bedroom guesthouse provides friends and family guests with indulgent privacy. The rustic character echoes the modest terrain, while referencing the chic modern vernacular of the main house.
waterline square
Giants of design have been assembled to create the largest and most comprehensive waterfront residential development project on the Upper West Side that transcends expectations. With over five acres of lush greenspace, 100,000 square feet of unparalleled amenities, and an array of restaurants and retail venues – Waterline Square is the new standard of extraordinary living.
Groves & Co. leads the interior design of Three Waterline Square; a shimmering structure of angled glass, designed by renowned Architect Rafael Viñoly. The 36-story building accommodates 214 units with soaring views of the surrounding parks, river and city skyline.
The interiors – from the lobby, to the amenities spaces, to the residences, portray an artistic, natural and cultivated design aesthetic.
Upon entry, residents and guests are immediately drawn into a carefully crafted lobby that emulates the building’s sculpted crystalline form. The extraordinary double-height space boasts a unique faceted ceiling accentuated by angled light slots, advancing through the main corridor to a secluded private garden. These strong linear elements are impacted by dramatic, intricate silver bronze metal panels. Overhead, a dazzling chandelier of subtly hued glass orbs shimmers behind a vertical metal screen, emulating the characteristically exquisite pattern of the surrounding limestone. Luxurious materials seamlessly merge with elegant design and custom furnishings to create the ultimate in opulent, yet modern living.
Glamour informs Groves & Co.’s amenity space aesthetic. This sky-high suite offers residents ample space for recreation and repose in a supremely polished setting. Residents are greeted by bookcases and dramatic onyx fireplaces, which open into a striking double height room of fashioned limestone and glass. A spectacular dining room, suited to large parties, astounds with intricate paneling of blackened steel and polished nickel inlay, offset by bespoke furniture. The media room; an optimal place for relaxation, accommodates a game room with pool table – an enticing extension of home. Central to the character of the building, a custom dreamy light installation flickers overhead, uniting the spaces beneath a starry sky. An expansive ensemble of outdoor terraces delight residents both day and night.
The residential units incorporate sophisticated and modern fixtures and fittings that contribute to the overall striking and stylish aesthetic. Soaring ceilings and gently sloping walls allow for ample natural light and unparalleled views of the Hudson River, Waterline Square Park and the city horizon. Clean lines are softened by an abundance of warm woods, sumptuous marbles, and bespoke cabinetry. Kitchens consist of top of the line appliances, refined stone, and jewel-like details that blend flawlessly with the living spaces. Elegantly designed master bathrooms re-envision tradition with classic stone, polished metals, and a custom vanity top. The glamorous powder room is anchored by a custom onyx vanity and surround.
This collaborative project is a triumphal hallmark of Groves’ coveted craftsmanship and vigilant attention to subtle details.
scarpetta new york
Excited by the unique combination of rich textural materials contrasted with retrained modernism inherent in the work of our studio, Scott Conant, well-known chef of L’Impero and Alto, approached S. Russell Groves to design his new restaurant Scarpetta; he saw in our work the perfect complement to his vision – “Urban Milan meets Tuscany”.
Located on the edge of Manhattan’s uber-trendy meatpacking district, the space reflects Conant’s honest and personal approach to Italian cuisine: equally grounded in tradition and modern interpretation.
This theme of old versus new is echoed in the design through unique custom panels located in key areas. Thin slices of aged, tawny beechwood veneer are sandwiched between sleek sheets of clear glass. The contrast of the warm wood and the cool glass is further highlighted by backlighting the materials to create a sparkling divider.
The first of two distinct areas, the front café features a long mahogany bar and seating for twenty. The bar itself, a turn-of-the-century antique, was ebonized to give it a contemporary edge and topped with classic white carrera marble. The sleek marble is repeated on the floor, and is offset by soft white-washed brick, reclaimed wood paneling, and mercury glass pendants, which add a silver glow.
The main dining room features a retractable glass roof offset by warm rough hewn timber beams. White cork, used in a random grid pattern, is complemented by elongated ochre-hued banquettes and period inspired adjustable light sconces. Taught wall mirrors are hung by orange belted straps that add an industrial note and splash of color.
Finally, a network of small, dim bulbs, used both in glass framed box fixtures and individually, reflects their glow in the panes of the skylight and cast a soft twinkle upon the scene.
Scarpetta has been featured in New York, Elle Décor, The New Yorker, The New York Times and The Daily News. In addition, it made its television debut on Reservations Required, on October 9th, and was featured in the October issue of Esquire, “Best New Restaurants of 2008.”
water island residence
Taking thoughtful cues from the client’s travels to various locales such as Big Sur and Parrot Cay, the compound recalls a relaxed lifestyle, while upholding a refined elegance.
The living area of the main house makes clever use of a neutral palette to create an understated, serene effect. Anchored by a striking slate fireplace, a plush custom oversized sofa is offset by heavily textured accents: wood caned furniture, sisal rugs, and linen pillows infuse the space with natural character. The efficient open kitchen and dining room highlight a stunning live edge walnut table, accompanied by captivating Hans Wegner oak and leather chairs—brilliantly juxtaposing organic movement and clean lines.
An impressive master suite dominates the lower level, showcasing a sleek bed and intimate sitting area. In the master bath, walls, floors, and vanity boast custom precast seamless concrete—opening to an outdoor spa with exposed shower and glamorous Jacuzzi.
The guesthouse, opposite the pool, stands as a self-sufficient cottage complete with four bedrooms, four baths, and an oversized media room. The peaceful common area features a custom, iconic wood framed sectional sofa, two spalted maple coffee tables and hide rugs—enlivening the space with their rustic, raw forms and organic outlines. The natural materials and refined modern appointments result in an exquisitely elegant retreat.