INNOVATION IN DESIGN AWARDS 2010
 

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THE HILL TOWNS OF TUSCANY are dotted with old farmhouses defined by gold-toned stucco walls, clay-tile rooftops and louver-style shutters. It was these Old World elements that architect Radoslav Opacic brought to a Westchester home in desperate need of a personality and a renovation. "It had been remodeled several times and had no coherent plan," says Opacic. "And the owners, who grew up in Croatia, wanted a home reminiscent of the Tuscan villas they were familiar with."

CIAO BELLO! (click image for larger view)

After adding 4,500 square feet to the existing 2,000 and peppering the makeover with divided glass windows and arched openings that typify homes in the Italian countryside, the architect took on his client's second request—"a design that would encourage outdoor living."

In response, a private courtyard was established, bordered on two sides by the L-shape of the house and on a third side by a garage wall that includes a limestone fireplace. A covered dining porch is located off the new family room, and the master suite includes a window balcony that overlooks the courtyard.

The Tuscan theme continues inside, where the floors are rustic antique chestnut and the gypsum board walls are finished with a clay plaster for a worn feel. The kitchen, with its painted and glazed maple cabinets and marble countertops, is at the core. "It's a grand space that accommodates room for cooking, eating and watching television," says Opacic. "It looks like an old farmhouse but caters to the way we live today."