Opening Statement

Niche Rooms: Entryway

Ann Matesi, Contributing Editor
March 1, 2004
Luxury Home Builder

	The formal entry features a 14-foot ceiling and easy access to all areas of the house. The slate and tile floor is one of the foyer's most eye-catching features. The main background features 16-inch-square green and gold slate tiles accented by a neutral-tone grout. The decorative mosaic was created using 1-inch glass tiles and black grout. The glass tile was selected for its multicolored reflective quality, similar to that of abalone. Framed by sconces similar to those near the front door, the secondary vestibule provides access to the bedroom wing. Recessed lighting and a black granite sill provide a distinctive setting for the art niche. Photography by J. Michael Ginney

"We wanted to create a variation on the Tuscan style that is common in this part of northern California," says Evans, who with interior designer Bill Ray gave local high-end buyers a new perspective to consider for their next luxury residence. "We wanted to do something different and chose this Asian-inspired design theme because of its clean lines and comfortable style."

Evans says the home's foyer is exceptionally large compared with most in the area. Composed of three distinct spaces - an entry vestibule, a central foyer and a secondary foyer - it provides access to the home's private and public areas. A hallway adjacent to the front door provides access to a secluded guest suite. An elegant tile mosaic hub accents the foyer's axis. From here, the space opens into the formal dining room on one side and the den on the other. The foyer narrows again at its far end, leading to the bedroom wing.

Evans used a circle motif for the custom-crafted front door, launching a theme repeated throughout the rest of the home, including in the floors, interior doors and architectural accents.

Style of home | California/Asian fusion
Location | Folsom, Calif.
Total square footage | 3,822
Hard costs | $204 per square foot, excluding land
Estimated market value | $1.04 million
Builder | Monarch Homes, Cameron Park, Calif.
Architect | Tamano & Chaw, Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Interior designers | Impressions Design, Sacramento, Calif.; Bill Ray & Associates, Roseville, Calif.
Tile installation | Tile Works, Placerville, Calif.
Spec-built showcase home

Major Products Used | Front door: Summit Door | Flooring: Natural Stone Design | Lighting: Fine Arts Lamps

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