Ingrid de Villiers Wins Collier Building Industry Association 2015 Sand Dollar Award
October 1, 2015
Ingrid was recognized for her outstanding work on a private residential project, "The O'Brien Residence," which earned both a perfect score from an elected panel of judges as well as the title of Interior Design of the Year – Single Family Detached Homes $1,750,000 to $1,999,999.
“It is with gratitude and a humble heart that I receive the Sand Dollar Award,” said Ingrid. “It is such a great honor, and I don’t think it has totally sunk in yet.”
The 5,604-square-foot residence consists of four bedrooms, four bathrooms and a powder room, a garage, and a covered lanai. Ingrid’s interior design features a chic, transitional style with a serene color palette of crisp whites, soft pinks, rich lavenders and light, silvery grays with glitter, diamond and crystal accents.
Nearly all furnishings, finishes, upholstery and accessories were custom-made or custom-ordered. Ingrid’s husband, artist and architect Arno de Villiers, was commissioned to create all artwork on display in the home.
Ingrid said she found inspiration for her interior design in the timeless, sophisticated style of Marilyn Monroe, which manifests not only in an original painting of the former Hollywood starlet hanging in the open concept great room, but also in more subtle details like the white faux fur throw pillows on the sectional in the living room and on the queen-sized bed in the master suite.
However, each room also welcomes unique elements of its own. For instance, the living room delivers a striking aesthetic with light gray-painted walls, white marble floor tiling and a matching marble fireplace. Two modern abstract paintings add vibrant pops of purple and pink, while a large mirror with a chrome frame custom-ordered from Italy hangs to their left. In addition to the large, white sectional are two conversation chairs with gray floral motifs and chrome-finished bases. Lighting includes modern ceiling lights and a simple modern floor lamp that sits off in a far corner.
A pair of white French doors with crystal knobs in the living room opens up to the large great room, which includes a seating area with a stone fireplace and flat screen TV, as well as a kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops and an island, and four bar stools upholstered in pink animal print.
The dining room showcases an elegant chandelier with glamorous crystal detailing, which hangs above a dining table with a chrome base and a round glass top. The dining chairs flaunt different fabrics on the back and seat, both in a silvery gray but with slightly contrasting patterns. Two pastel floral arrangements in jagged glass vases stand on a white wooden sideboard with crystal pulls. The light gray area rug was custom-made.
In the master suite, a monochrome color scheme presents a bold look with the addition of curtains, pillows and a duvet cover all in vibrant floral upholstery. Sea grass wallpaper covers a layered inset behind the bed. Crystal detailing on the modern ceiling lights and beside lamps add an extravagant flair, and chrome furnishings create a lustrous gleam.
Whereas many aspects of the design evoke a distinctly feminine charm, a pebble-textured wall inset behind a flat screen TV and lavender ceiling coffering with white molding introduce a more masculine theme in the man cave style den.
Ingrid credits the “golden ratio” for helping guide her interior selections to ensure balance and harmony within the home.
“The golden ratio, or divine proportion, rests in nature, and you can find it in sea shells, flowers, bee hives and even our own bodies,” she said. “The closer an object is to the golden ratio, the more pleasing it is to the human eyes, so I strive to use it whenever I can.”
The project took a year and a half to complete from conceptualization to installation, Ingrid said.
To view photos of Ingrid’s award-winning interior design, connect with us on Houzz.
ABOUT INGRID DE VILLIERS: Ingrid de Villiers is one of Robb & Stucky’s leading interior designers, and she thrives in a world of creativity. She grew up in the Republic of South Africa, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, rich colors and creative people. Ingrid is an adventurer. She once sailed halfway around the world on a 36’ yacht (the other half awaits). Ingrid is also purposeful and focused. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Interior Design at the London Metropolitan University in London, England.
