“Designing the custom cabinets was a tedious but rewarding effort, but we wanted special features such as hidden spice racks on either side of the range hood, for example,” says Chuck, who devised the idea for the racks. That range hood, the kitchen focal point, is an ABBAKA Cylindra customized for corner installation in Denmark. The Breeds’ other kitchen appliances include a Jenn Air refrigerator, a Fisher & Paykel five-burner gas stove and convection oven, a Bosch dishwasher, and a GE Monogram 50-bottle wine cooler.
All of the counter tops in the house, including that in the casita kitchen, are granite, marble or travertine, with 1-inch bullnose edging, handcrafted by Jeff Hill, owner of Gilbert’s Granite Marble Works. The kitchen granite is Sand Castle, and, in the adjacent dining room, the built-in is Rain Forest marble with a matching 10-person dining table. The garage entry and the game room repeat this marble to great effect.
On the floors and the ceilings, Tsontakis has created equally attractive details. In the front entry, for example, 18-by-18-inch travertine features edging of dark Emperador marble, installed by Robert Fagan of Stone Design & Tile.
The ceiling and rope lighting initially mimic the floor design and curvature and then ascend to tiered lighted domes. The unique swirl design of the front door was designed by Janis and inspired by the curvature of the Fanimation Enigma single-blade ceiling fan in the kitchen nook. Phoenix’ Valencia Iron Doors manufactured the inviting copper patina door.
Another Tsontakis signature: varying ceiling heights, often concentrically stepped back. In the Breed home, he provides this in the great room, kitchen and breakfast area. In other areas, the dropped ceilings reflect floor patterns.
Finally, the Breeds called on Jason Cook of Art FX Faux Finishing in Peoria to finish the living room ceiling with a copper paint to match that of the chandelier.
When the Breeds aren’t looking up at their ceilings, or down at their floors, or resting their home-cooked meals on their beautifully veined countertops, they’re extolling Tsontakis: “How can you not be happy in this home?” Janis asks.
“We’re elated at Nick’s use of light, both naturally as well as with ceiling lights and skylights. Multiple moods can be felt with the flip of a switch.” She adds: “It is impossible to enter the living areas without looking up and subconsciously or consciously saying ‘Wow.’”
Nick Tsontakis, AIA, Tsontakis Architecture & Interiors, 480.874.2288, www.ElevateYourPlans.com
