THE DESIGN ISSUE

THE HOT LIST

OUR ANNUAL RUNDOWN OF THE BUZZIEST PEOPLE, PLACES, PRODUCTS AND TRENDS PLUS IT-BOY DESIGNER JONATHAN ADLER FINDS AUSTIN ARTIST LANCE LETSCHER HITS HIS MARK AN AIA HOMES TOUR STUNNER & SIX TO-DIE-FOR INTERIORS

Homegrown

space

Bright Eyes
Art and artisan mingle for a sky-high design statement
By Melissa Jacobs

or out-of-towners, The Four Seasons Hotel on Lady Bird Lake has always been a coveted overnight hangout. And now with its newly completed residences, the spot is fast becoming one of the most sought-after addresses for city dwellers, too. Take a former hedge fund exec on the hunt for a second home and stylish crash pad to supplement his primary residence, a ranch 45 minutes from downtown. To help put a modern spin on his new 24th floor high rise, he turned to interior designer Mark Cravotta. Four Seasons Residences are the most understated of the new high rises, he says. Its almost as if they were designed to be embellished by the owners. While the design team didnt move any walls, they pined over every other surface in the three-bedroom, 4,200-squarefoot space, which includes a wine and media room. Even the ceiling got the full treatment. Cravottas craftsmen used hand-blocked and hand-glazed wallpaper

Mark Cravotta turned this Four Seasons residence into a warm, art-filled masterpiece. on the ceiling, applied in a pain-staking artisan process: layers of venetian plaster were painted, hand-stamped in a random pattern, then hand-colored and glazed. Drapery fabric, hand-painted in shades of bizque and gray by local artist Carolyn Ray were then hung on the walls. Attention to the walls continued with brick veneers that wrap around the living, wine and guest rooms. Early and mid20th century art completes the final layer, with a museum-worthy collection that includes works by Miro, Picasso and Austin artists Roi James and Charles Umlauf. Its luxurious without pretension, Cravotta says. Its a sophisticated yet comfortable mixture of architecturally interesting furnishings, widely varied textures and a curated collection of art. The elegant mix of furniture further illuminates the modern-meets-classic tone, particularly in the living room, where Lora chairs by Jean de Merry contrast smartly with Rose Tarlows Half Moon chairs. Even the leather and steel credenza by Jim Zivic brings harmonious character. Cravottas own custom pieces are featured throughout the space, and include the dry bar, oak and steel dining table and leather-wrapped steel bed. Its all part of a careful design process for which Cravotta slowly leaks ideas to his clients so he can take cues and develop the perfect, personalized space over time. I only show clients what Im really excited about, he says. When I see their eyes light, I know we have a direction. Must work well for him, the homeowner has since spent the majority of his time at the downtown residence.

66 Austin Home

Fall 2012

photos by paul bardagjy.