Art Opening(3)

The couple’s extensive art collection was a key factor in keeping the interior design simple. “I wanted the living room to feel like an art gallery,” Robert says. “We left the quarter round off the trim to give it less detail. We wanted a lofty, more gallery kind of feel.”

MacKenzie gave them a nearly 20x30-foot living room, with dark wood floors and long stretches of white walls for displaying paintings and sculptures. “The living room is the most important location for their artwork, so we really kept that room almost minimal,” the architect says. “There’s some pattern and interest going on with the furniture, but it’s deliberately gallery-like.” Sight lines from one end of the house to the other also make art visible from different angles and distances. “The fact that you can see the library from the kitchen is one of the things I love,” Anita says. “The sight lines of this house are incredible.”

Sources:
Paint (“Silver Lining’’ #32-32): Pratt & Lambert Paints, 800/289-7728, prattandlambert.com.
Sofa, chairs, console table: custom for Eva Quateman Interiors, 312/255-8800.
Sofa fabric (“Axono’’ #12299, discontinued); fabric on chair fronts (“Verano’’ #12321, discontinued); fabric on chair backs and pillows (“Calma’’ #12316, discontinued): Bergamo Fabrics, Inc., 914/665-0800, bergamofabrics.com, trade only.
Coffee table: Susanin’s Auctions, 312/832-9800.
Paintings behind sofa (“Abstract Instrumentals,” by Dzine, and “Abstract Instrumentals Part II,” by Dzine); paintings on wall by piano (“Annunciation,”by Georges Mazilu, and “Le Dindon,” by Georges Mazilu): Thomas Masters Gallery, 312/440-2322, thomasmastersgallery.com.
Painting on wall by piano (“Women with Piano,” by Sandra Flood): Judith Racht Gallery, 773/281-3705.
Bronze sculpture (“Sole Dad,” by Anna Duncan): owner’s collection.