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HOME SWEET HOME
Designer
James Swan lets his own aesthetic shine through
THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO REFLECTS A SKYLINE THAT has been painted
by the most celebrated architects. James Swan had end-less amounts
of inspiration when working as a senior developer at an architectural
firm located inside the city that steals hearts. But Swan had dreams
bigger than a San Francisco skyline, and over the past 14 years
hes managed to achieve those dreamsone building at a time.
 A
student of theology and music, Swan creates residential masterpieces
influenced by his own aesthetic sensibility.
Yet his designs are reflective of his clients distinct personalities
and lifestyles. After establishing James Swan & Company in 1999,
with offices in Los Angeles and Boston, he became a bicoastal powerhouse.
He has fused both coasts: his respect for budgets and a trained
eye for outstanding products reflect an East Coast culture of tradition
and reserve. By incorporating more light, greater comfort and flow
of space he has captured the indoor-outdoor ambience of Southern
California.
His most recent creation was one of self indulgence- his own home.
Much like the old adage never  leave
home without removing one piece of jewelry, Swan designed his home
without any excess orna-mentation.
The starting point for his 1,600-square-foot West Hollywood abode
was transforming the generously proportioned interior space. Molding
and detail were eliminated to reveal a clean, open space that serves
as a foil for the more dramatic and sensual elements that define
Swans tranquil style. By using fine antiques, rare artifacts, vintage
50s pieces, original art and found objects, Swan anchored his living
room with dramatic style. A Herman Miller table stands brilliantly
alongside his magnificent French oak easel clutching a Wendy Arkin
painting. He finished his living room with a magnificent sculptured
stage prop of a Greek god rising from an imaginary sea.The living
room is indeed a charming combination of historical relics and modern
necessities.
 The crme de la crme
of his Hollywood hide-away is the master bath suite which is complete
with a back stage. Swan turned the traditional walkin closet and
dressing room into an open alcove, lining two walls with customized
built-ins for wardrobe and storage. A mysterious black curtain hangs
top to bottom, which is easily pulled back and forth for easy access
to his wardrobe.
Swans schedule has left little time for him to reflect on his residential
make-over. He currently is working on numerous projects: the Tidecrest
which is a 9,000- square-foot estate in Newport Beach, that features
a stunning outdoor limestone pool. The Goleta (6,000 square-foot
house) and St. Ives (2,100 square foot contemporary home) round
out his West coast projects. The East coast office brings a 12,000
square-foot home, and a 4,500 square-foot Nantucket seaside vacation
home. The word busy does not even apply to his work schedule.
James Swan & Company doesnt just create interiors for the countrys
finest residences. They offer services that include project management,
interior architectural detailing, fine furniture design, antique
and art resourcing, comprehensive purchasing and expediting services,
moving management services and a unique after care program created
to assist new home-owners in managing the ongoing challenges of
maintaining a new property. They literally leave no stone unturned
when it comes to your dream home.
James Swan has transformed the world of interior design. By understanding
the architectural style of his clients homes and creating design
concepts appropriate to the context- he can create anything from
classic Italian Revival, to breezy Mediterranean. His reverence
for classicism and history is seamlessly translated into distinctive,
serene spaces admired by many.The outcome of his creative vision
towers over most of the design world-hope he is enjoying his view
from the top.
Andrea Bell |
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