The old toy warehouse situated in downtown Richmond, Va. had a splendid view of its more kept up -- if not traditional -- surroundings. A developer dusted off the wide-open structure of dark hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, complete with windows running around the upper level, and carved out two-story loft apartments. The view and natural light were reserved for the upper level, leaving the living and bedroom spaces dimly lit.
The 30-something bachelor saw its cave-like appeal and hired designer Chris McCray to make it his own. The essence of modern design is to be in harmony with both the individual and the surroundings. To compliment the habitat, McCray pulled from a palette of earth tones and materials made from natural elements. Since the client had a love for photography, music -- and picking up interesting art from his international travels, McCray create "stages" for these accessories. This cave had to be fit for a renaissance man.
The bedroom was separated from the living area by walls that housed the bathroom and a closet. A spiral staircase led to the loft. With 10' ceilings, McCray was challenged with a cavernous room. To make use of the height, McCray built a large platform of old barnwood, sanded and stained a very dark brown. Loose woven curtains hung from the hot rolled steel rails. With the dark platform elevating the bed, he chose a patterned duvet by Dwell and pillows by Thomas Paul to create a floating chamber within a chamber. At the corners of the platform, he recessed landscape lights to reflect light upward onto the curtains and reflective rails.
By keeping the wood dark, the accents came alive. McCray chose Rennie Mackintosh's Hill House chair in black ash with its narrow seat and high back to be a spontaneous clothes horse. The height of Mackintosh's classic brings the eye up to the center of the room -- to focus on the breathtaking art.
The walls were covered with a series of panels -- painted in varying wood tones. A custom walnut headboard was mounted above the wenge bed, and sconces of woven seashells were mounted on either side. A light fixture was hung over the bed to illuminate the fabric's design.
As a final touch and nod to the cave theme, McCray enjoined the bedroom and living spaces -- with (what else?) a very cave-like path of 2-inch square, blue stone pavers, embellished with chalet rocks. With imagination, McCray brought to bear a bedroom not for the average man.