AMB Design took on the challenge of converting a 7000-square-foot blank slate into a breathtaking Parisienne-style residence.

Over the course of 10 months, this architectural masterpiece took shape, captivating the hearts of its owners with meticulously curated art and furnishings.

The project presented a unique challenge for AMB design: creating a floor plan that would seamlessly blend with the small urban-style family life of the homeowners, who had recently relocated from Chicago's vibrant skyline. The design team wasted no time and began curating furnishings from the very moment they were hired, ensuring a cohesive and stunning end result.

As one enters the residence, the main attraction immediately draws the eye. Three arched doors line up at the end of the salon, framing awe-inspiring views of Salt Lake City and majestic mountainscapes. However, this breathtaking feature also posed a significant challenge. The raw space boasted ceilings that reached a staggering 20 feet, with dormers cut into the highest points.

The open and spacious studio-style salon was envisioned with plaster adorning every wall and ceiling. To create a harmonious contrast, the design team handpicked furnishings that contradicted the straight layouts and symmetry of the space. Organic forms became the core ingredient, appealing to the senses and allowing the space to flow seamlessly.

Anne-Marie Barton of AMB Design shares, "what truly evokes the Parisian essence is "the mix" - a combination of old-world, traditional, and classic lines blended with modern sensibilities." This philosophy guided every aspect of the design, creating a charmingly eclectic ambiance.

In the kitchen, the vision embraced the integrity of a La Cornue range, infusing a sense of scullery that truly reflects the inhabitants' lifestyle. Just off the elevator, a Ralph Pucci chandelier greets visitors, setting the tone for the space. The walls are adorned with Phillip Jeffries wall coverings, featuring pewter and gold accents, horsehair, and grass cloth, adding texture and depth.

A glimpse around the corner reveals the staircase, a marvel that had to be created from scratch in this entirely open space. Inspired by a visit to Christian Liaigre's apartment in Paris, the design team crafted an immersed handrail, utilizing the space within the wall to create a cavity filled with elegant brass details, as visually pleasing as it is comfortable to the touch.

The office exudes a masculine ambiance, bathed in natural light. The owner requested a music-listening vibe, so the designer framed the space with steel, creating walls of smoked glass. This demure and sultry atmosphere houses a collection of albums in custom bespoke cabinetry, complemented by a modern turntable and curated sculptures.

Central to the design is the spine, the gallery, which serves as the central portal leading from the salon's arched doors to the bedrooms along the 40-foot gallery walk. Soft glows of alabaster emanate from each doorway, while art curated by the owners and the design team adorns the walls, striking a perfect balance between collectible art and organic interpretive style. Tying it all together is a magnificent 38-foot-long rug, an art piece in its own right.

The primary bedroom reflects the essence of old Parisian apartments found in the design district. Moldings, plaster finishes, 12-foot-tall draperies, bespoke cabinetry, and Holly Hunt furnishings create a romantic and modern space that embraces a gentle way of living in a warm and inviting environment.

Luxurious finishes define the bathroom, creating a spa-like atmosphere that seamlessly blends beauty with practicality. Multiple shower heads, body sprays, and an overhead rainfall shower head are complemented by beautiful stoned niches. Integrated stone sinks maintain a seamless flow from countertop to sink, while the faucets themselves serve as sculpted architectural features that feel soft to the touch. The private toilet room, enclosed in glass, provides the ultimate sanctuary.

Views take center stage throughout the residence, with the surrounding landscape complementing the curated artwork on the walls. Nowhere is this more evident than the exterior patio, facing the majestic Eastward mountain range of the Wasatch Front.

AMB design envisioned a space filled with quality fabrics, rich limestones, and marbles, embodying the romance, elegance, and traditions for which the City of Lights is renowned. The Parisian Modern Loft is a testament to their ability to transform a blank slate into a dream residence, capturing the imagination and enchanting the senses at every turn.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Team: AMB Design

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Completion Date: 2022

Photography: David Duncan Livingston