Repurposed Space
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After moving from Florida to Kingwood, the client, a couple, realized a small home office area was never being used. The project began with the goal of taking the unused space and repurposing it into an “upscale man-pit” for the husband to relax and enjoy the wines he had been collecting on their travels.
For interior designers Peggy Fuller and Cindy Aplanalp, function must come first and the aesthetics can be layered in. If a project does not meet its intended purpose, it is not successful. Incorporating the couples love of Argentina, bottle count, display appeal, case storage, and the ability to maintain a 55-degree environment were all design considerations. Fuller and Aplanalp enlisted the help of William Ardon of AWP services to help with cooling, insulation, placement of the condenser, etc. Rudy Ardon contributed his expert carpentry skills and knack for creating storage solutions.
Strong beams were used to highlight the tiled ceiling and create an authentic grotto look. Pebble flooring adds to the Old World feel. Stone walls and herringbone ceiling lend an aged element. A medallion carefully selected from a little known source in Argentina is the centerpiece of the room; its pattern and color blends with the rest of the home’s decor and the inlaid glass tile adds shimmer. Double-paned iron and glass doors seal the room and create an entry of interest.
Located off the formal living room, the wine room has uncased bottle storage for 352 bottles, lower space storage can hold six cases, and there is upper storage for 18 cases. To avoid wicking of distasteful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the bottle corks, a waterbased stain was used on the racks.
True to the original goal, the wine room is now the husband’s favorite place to sit and where the couple reconnects after the day over a magical glass of wine.
