For interior designer Douglas Graneto, founder of Greenwich-based Douglas Graneto Design, you never know when meeting fellow parents at school will turn into a delightful friendship or even a client relationship. That’s how the tale of this exceptional project begins.
The homeowners, who Graneto had befriended at a school fundraiser, called on him when they were building their forever Greenwich home on a tranquil property in the woods. Working with Shope Reno Wharton on the architecture, Graneto on the interiors, and Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture on the grounds, the couple had fun with the process knowing that their residence would come to life with sophistication, ingenuity, and character.
When it came to their wishes, a few things topped the list. Sustainability and minimizing the project’s environmental footprint was a top priority, while maximizing the pond views was also a must. Additionally, one of the clients is a professional chef. The kitchen—where she would create recipes and hold small cooking classes—was a vital space to get right.
Shope Reno Wharton sited the nearly 6,000-square-foot home to take full advantage of the serene water and forest surroundings, specifying walls of glass and oversized windows across its flowing spaces. The layout inspired Graneto, of course. He recalls, “The rooms are sprawling and open, making for very easy living. As the home’s story began to unfold, a contemporary mood lended itself to the interiors.”
Leaning into the open floor plan and strong link to the outdoors, Graneto took a minimalist approach to the materials to craft the home’s refreshing, house-in-the-woods atmosphere. He used the same oak and venetian plaster for the entire interior to create an uninterrupted sense of calm and warm elegance that suits the setting.
Stone also played a critical role in how the project’s organic ambiance and sustainable philosophy came together. Serendipitously, just as the material selections were underway, builder Jeff Bojadzic of Bojadzic Construction knew of an old church being torn down in the Bronx. With Bojadzic’s help and stone masonry skills, the design team was able to acquire the leftover stone from the demolition and resourcefully use it throughout the home, inside and out. In a memorable “aha!” moment, Graneto even decided to slice it thin and implement it as unique, polished flooring for the foyer.
The most magnetic point of the home, however, is the voluminous central great room holding the main living area, dining area, and dreamy gourmet kitchen. Here, the family can lounge cozily on fall days as the leaves change or host stylish dinner parties with all their friends.
When it came time to decorate the home, and especially this pivotal gathering space, Graneto fashioned many custom pieces. The designer has a keen knowledge of furniture and art and is known for devising one-of-a-kind creations for his clients. Of course, many wish to incorporate treasured pieces they already own, and Graneto finds the perfect place for them as well. For example, the couple’s console in the dining area and antique chair in the primary bedroom meld seamlessly with the newer pieces Graneto custom-designed.
Tactile custom additions include a leather-topped bar with firewood storage, two dining tables that can expand to seat 18 comfortably, and the living room’s U-shaped sofa made specifically to fit the clients and the way they live.
Graneto says, “What I really try to focus on is the client and their needs—rather than a signature look that is a ‘Douglas Graneto’ design. This is a home that reflects what the client wanted. I’ve also worked with several of the clients’ friends and none of their homes look remotely alike. People enjoy that their house is theirs.”
For this residence to truly belong to its chef homeowner and her family, the kitchen also needed to stand out and have show-stopping functionality. The extensive space was divided uniquely with one zone for cooking and one zone for baking. It looks natural and contemporary, while boasting a charming nod to one of the greats. The pegboard wall of shiny, copper pots was inspired by Julia Childs’s legendary kitchen and adds a pinch of nostalgia to the luxurious space.
Neutral tones and a clever mix of materials and textures reign in the kitchen as well, allowing it to merge effortlessly with the nearby living areas and the stone terraces just outside. For the designer, this continuity was essential to the home’s experience.
Graneto explains, “In a home like this, versus a place with lots of different rooms and separate worlds, you are creating cohesiveness. I was always asking, ‘How does this open space feel going into the next open space?’ I was very conscious about maintaining the same mood throughout.”
This project is just one example of how Douglas Graneto works to tell his clients’ stories and craft interiors singular to them. Whether your residence is historic or modern, located in New York or the Caribbean, the designer is known for delivering impactful, livable environments that always improve over time.
To see more of his diverse and praised portfolio, or to reach and schedule your consultation, visit douglasgraneto.com.