Manhasset Long Island Family Home: Three Generations in Harmony
Project Overview
LGC Interiors transformed an expansive Manhasset residence into a stunning example of how multi-generational living can be both functional and beautifully designed. This comprehensive residential remodel for a family of busy doctors created a warm, sophisticated environment where three generations could thrive together, honoring their rich cultural heritage and extensive collection of cherished antiques.
The Design Challenge
We created a cohesive home for a young family of five and their grandmother. The space needed to balance the active lifestyle needs of the children with the sophisticated aesthetic preferences of the homeowners. The clients, both busy doctors, required spaces that could serve as a daily family hub while also providing elegant environments for entertaining colleagues and friends.
The homeowners brought a significant challenge and opportunity: an extensive collection of Korean antiques inherited from the wife's family, who had operated an antiques business. These pieces needed to be thoughtfully integrated into a contemporary American home without overwhelming the space or creating a museum-like atmosphere.
Honoring Cultural Heritage Through Design
The centerpiece of the living room became an ancient lava rock that had been in the family's antique collection. Rather than relegating this unique piece to storage, we created a custom platform and glass top, transforming it into a stunning coffee table that serves as both a conversation starter and a meaningful connection to the family's heritage. The dining room featured another family heirloom - an antique dining set that complemented the new design scheme while preserving its historical significance.
Throughout the home, carefully selected furnishings from Baker provided the perfect complement to the antique pieces, including the couple’s Louis Philippe chairs - 19th-century French pieces characterized by their refined curves, understated ornamentation and high-quality woodwork.
Multi-Generational Design and Functionality
Each space was designed with the understanding that different generations would use the home in various ways. The layout accommodated the grandmother's needs while providing active play areas for the children and sophisticated entertaining spaces for the parents.
The kitchen and dining areas received particular attention as the heart of the home, featuring durable materials that could withstand daily family use while maintaining an elegant aesthetic suitable for entertaining medical colleagues and friends. The home's five bedrooms each received individualized treatment that reflected their intended users while maintaining overall design cohesion. The primary suite was designed as a serene retreat for the busy medical professionals, while children's rooms incorporated age-appropriate colors and functionality.
Strategic lighting design throughout the home accommodated the varying needs of a multi-generational household, from task lighting for homework and reading to ambient lighting, such as chandeliers, for entertaining. Custom window treatments provided privacy and light control while enhancing the home's sophisticated aesthetic.
Creating Harmony Through Design
This project exemplified our ability to create a home that feels cohesive, despite serving multiple functions and honoring diverse cultural elements. This Manhasset residence demonstrates our expertise in crafting sophisticated family homes that honor heritage while embracing contemporary living, solidifying LGC Interiors as a premier choice for complex residential projects throughout Long Island's North Shore communities.
