Giampaolo BianconciniPresident, Ewald Design Associates
4868 Brownsboro Center
896-1479
Business: Native Italian Bianconcini bought Ewald Design Associates in 1975. The firm now includes 11 affiliated designers, including Bianconcini and partner Libby Rush, and provides both residential and commercial services, as well as an ever-changing array of high-style furnishings, accessories and gifts, through its Brownsboro Center location. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Education: B.A., Fine Arts, Art Institute of Florence (Italy), 1961
Experience: 30-plus years in interior design and four years in fabric design
Masculine yet cozy describes this Mockingbird Valley library owned by a bachelor who wanted a spot to showcase family paintings, books and collectibles. Using heavy paneling, massive ceiling beams, a stone fireplace, comfortable furnishings and a soothing wine and green color scheme, Bianconcini created the perfect retreat for relaxing with a book on a wintry day.
“To make the room feel warmer, I picked up the wine background color from the carpet and used it on the ceiling between the beams.”
“Built-in cases above the door openings provide extra space to fill with books and keepsakes, such as the owner’s collection of porcelain Staffordshire dogs.”
“To add some curves to the room, I chose a kidney-shaped Heirloom love seat covered with a Lee Jofa Italian chenille fabric featuring a round medallion design.”
“I chose some of the furnishings and accessories specifically because they felt library-ish, such as the black table lamps, oversized dark green leather chairs and ottomans from Hancock & Moore, brass horse-headed fireplace tools and English Axminster carpet. The carpet’s small, old-fashioned pattern has a quiet feel suitable for a library.”
“The owner wanted light paneling, so I used natural pine and simply had it hand-waxed. Around the window, the paneling hides the Randolph silk damask draperies when they’re not in use so the view of the woods is unobstructed.”
“The focal point of the room is the family picture hanging over the fireplace. To play it up, I spotlighted it with a halogen light and kept the fireplace design very simple — just a stone face with wide, masculine trim. A big mantel would have competed with the picture.”
