New Georgian

Christopher Roy opened his eponymous interior design studio in 2018. Previously, he spent ten years as a Design Principal working for one of the West Coast's most prestigious residential firms. Roy's knowledge of decorative arts, architectural periods, and fine antiques segued into his collaboration on an early twentieth-century Georgian-style garden estate in Hillsborough. He joined Andrew Skurman and Ed Watkins of Skurman Architects, who sensitively renovated the two-story property, increasing its square footage from 9,100 sq. to 11,700 sq. ft. for the homeowners, a young professional couple with three children.

Willem Racké Studio finished the foyer's walls and ceiling in white Venetian plaster, while Gracie’s framed floral and foliate wallpaper panels created an interior garden. Roy installed an antique Persian Tabriz carpet with a scrolling vine motif in soft earthen tones on an ivory ground from the Tony Kitz Gallery to anchor the space. A round wooden Chinese center table supported by six cabriole legs displays a pair of glazed terracotta Ming Dynasty court attendants who lead visitors into the living room.  

The elegant salon retains its original oak paneling and millwork punctuated by floor-to-ceiling grid-patterned windows. Roy juxtaposed contemporary Dutch artist Arty Grimm's large abstract painting with a traditional sofa upholstered in rich myrtle-colored linen velour and contrasting passementerie. He placed a black and gold lacquered chow table in front and paired it with Rose Tarlow's Georgina Ribbon Back armchair and an English club chair he designed. A corner of the room holds a grand piano and a round-skirted ottoman covered in Clarence House's iconic Chinoiserie fabric, Dragon Empress, in blue and beige.  

When the couple entertains, they use the formal dining room where the glazed millwork blends with the rust and gold Fortuny upholstered walls. The gilded ceiling casts a flattering glow on their guests. Roy selected Chippendale-style mahogany dining chairs to surround the rectangular double pedestal dining table illuminated by a Murano glass chandelier. For casual dining, the family gathers in the glaucous-hued kitchen and perch on rustic Dennis & Leen Louis XIII Counter Stools.

Adjacent to the kitchen, Skurman Architects expanded an informal family room that integrates seamlessly with the rest of the home. Another Grimm abstract surmounts the fireplace flanked by a pair of Minton-Spidell wooden framed armchairs. A scroll-armed sofa opposes the grouping, companioned by a rectangular tufted leather ottoman acting as a cocktail table. Roy included a couple of plaid-covered lounge chairs to complete the country ambiance.