it WAs Architect Morris lApidus Who coined the
now famous phrase, “too much is never enough.” the
self-possessed among us know to find the line before
crossing it. A truly great designer knows exactly when to
stop. Jamie herzlinger does. “i’m always asking myself,
“how much better would it look…. if…?” says the interior
and architectural designer of her creative philosophy.
“in everything i do, i think about how to push it more.”
so, welcome to the edge, where herzlinger takes us
to Arizona’s paradise Valley and into the home of Kim
oBrien. What began as a 1960s southwestern ranch has
been transformed into a one level, 6700 square-foot
Bauhaus-meets-hollywood haven. the original footprint
was retained, but all other vestiges of its 40 plus years of
uninspired design were removed.
While the desert landscape and camelback Mountain
loom large, it’s the atmosphere of an earlier time in
hollywood or Bel Air that prevails. When passing
between the columned portico, where classic black
and white striped canvas drapes hang, to approach
the entry door, painted a bold shade of vermillion red, it
becomes utterly clear that a dramatic design journey is
about to unfold. the first view is the long view: beginning
in the foyer, through the seating lounge, into the dining
room, gliding through the family room, all the way to the
other side of the house. outside, a curved wall of black
and white mosaic marble in a chain pattern borders
a fountain. While soaking in all the layers, shapes and
materials, a visceral feeling of being in the presence of
originality and sophistication takes hold.
apr + may
2011
91
