Masterful Composition

For Charles Metz, a professional musician, surrounding himself with the objects of his affection, four exquisite 17th- and 18th-century Baroque harpsichords, was the number one goal when designing his chic city loft. 

Retired from a successful career as an optometrist in private practice and also as a Clarkson Eyecare doctor, Charles, with a Ph.D. in music from Washington University, has embraced his passion for music full-time and is currently performing for audiences throughout St. Louis, across the United States and in Europe.

Moving from a traditional home on Kingsbury Place in the Central West End to a fully finished loft in the effervescent cultural hub of downtown St. Louis prompted a change in design style, too. “I wanted a sophisticated and beautiful place that would showcase my collection of harpsichords and allow me to perform intimate recitals for various benefits,” says Charles. 

Enter Robert Levine, an interior designer with Sanctuary Interiors & Furnishings in Chicago. A good friend, as well as an accomplished designer, Robert set about taking the blank slate that was the 3,000-square-foot high-rise and transforming it into a masterpiece of contemporary and eclectic design that brings Charles’ beloved musical instruments into harmony with the rest of the décor. “The biggest challenge in designing Charles’ space,” says Robert, “was incorporating the harpsichords. We wanted to blend them into the interior, making them a focal point, but not the only focal point.”

Knocking down walls to create one large 1,000-square-foot “room,” cleverly divided by columns and the purposeful placement of furnishings, allowed Robert to open up the space, while still establishing intimate and separate gathering areas. “I enjoy hosting benefit recitals in my home,” says Charles. “I needed a space that could easily accommodate up to 150 people but would also be a cozy place to relax on my own or with just a few friends." The "music room" just off the entry features three of Charles’ harpsichords. A quartet of small circular chairs provides comfortable seating for at-home recitals. “Opening up the loft was key,” notes Charles. “Open spaces provide much better acoustics for musical performance than smaller spaces do.”

A grand, custom hand-carved limestone fireplace in the main living area shares the spotlight with another of Charles’ harpsichords. “The Kingsbury home had a gorgeous Italian marble fireplace that I adored,” says Charles. “I knew I had to have something equally as wonderful here.” To decorate his home for the holidays, beginning with this spectacular fireplace, Charles called upon another dear friend and interior designer, Diane Breckenridge-Barrett, to add a festive touch that would complement and not distract from the loft’s refined urban edge.

“Charles is a good friend of mine,” explains Diane, “so I was familiar with his loft.” When Diane took her floral artist, Catherine Thoele, AIFD, CFD,  of Carriage House Florals at Diane Breckenridge Interiors, with her to see the space, they both agreed that a simple, but elegant approach would best dress Charles’ home in holiday finery. “We wanted to impart an organic feel to Charles’ home,” says Catherine, “but still maintain that sophisticated, metropolitan look.” Iced garland spills from a base of fresh flat cedar intertwined with copper-colored glass pinecone garland. Fresh dusty miller, succulents and a touch of silver pepper berries accent the dramatic mantel display. 

Instead of the traditional Christmas tree, Diane and Catherine chose unexpected spiral evergreens, aglow with large white lights and wrapped with glass pinecone garland. “We tried to do the unexpected in Charles’ loft,” says Diane. “I enjoy creating interiors, as well as holiday décor that feels acquired, not just decorated. It’s fun to throw in an unexpected touch." Natural hues of green, copper and pewter infuse understated Christmas spirit, adding to the richness of the space and serving as the ideal accompaniment to a color palette that stems directly from the intricately painted harpsichords.

The dramatic red dining room features a one-of-a-kind chandelier created by Robert. “I call it a ‘shadelier,’” he says. Encased in a single sheer iridescent fabric shade, the classic crystal chandelier sparkles above the mahogany table. The table's matching chairs were replaced with a more contemporary choice, upholstered in a champagne silk faille. A zebra-inspired rug adds whimsy to a space that successfully melds the old with the new. For Charles’ holiday tabletop, Diane and Catherine created a forest of glass trees, resting on glistening mirrored chargers amid a swath of fresh flat cedar and surrounding a glass vase abundant with fragrant white roses. Tall crystal candlesticks beautifully illuminate this winter wonderland tablescape.

Celebrating the holiday season in Charles’ loft is truly a joyful extension of his already impeccable and perfectly composed interior design. Sophisticated, eclectic and undeniably chic, this urban oasis says “Merry Christmas” right on key.

RESOURCES:

Carriage House Florals at Diane Breckenridge Interiors, www.dianebreckenridgeinteriors.com, 314-727-2323

Robert Levine, interior designer, Sanctuary Chicago/Interiors and Furnishings, 773-883-4990, www.sanctuarychicago.com