PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
Designer Bina Gross
Photographer Shmily Treger Studio
Writer Sara Lazewnik
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Designer Bina Gross graciously invited Urban Living into her client’s magnificent home for a personal tour interspersed with her commentary on the project’s goals and inspirations. Bina explained, “The client envisioned an atmosphere that would feel like they stepped into a home that could just as easily have been around in 1924 as it could be in 2024.” That vision became the guiding principle for the entire project, shaping its character and charm.
In the foyer, a timeless checkerboard pattern with a coordinating border tile extends a warm invitation. The rich hues of the burgundy Rosso Levanto marble boast unique color variations in every tile. The console and mirror, both vintage Maison Jansen pieces, were sourced from a salvage antique store. After scouring salvage yards for historical staircase parts, the designer realized the cracked and chipped pieces she found were not going to work. Instead, reproduction balusters were created based on a previous project that had inspired her. The overall effect is suffused with a sense of history and classicism.
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Transitioning to the kitchen, the designer envisioned a timeless and inviting space, one that makes generous use of natural materials. Despite apprehensions surrounding marble’s susceptibility to etching and wood’s propensity for scratching, Bina appreciates the beauty in imperfection, recognizing it as an integral element of nature. The way she describes it, “Living in the house, etching does happen, but I feel like that is part of the beauty. And I love it. It’s like having Hashem’s artwork for you to enjoy in your home.”
Calacatta Viola countertops from Arena Stone were selected for their busy pattern and veining. Bina advises, “When using marble, choose the stone wisely. The imperfections are part of the beauty, and the color and movement help to mask any etching that commonly occurs in natural stone.” The patina of the unlacquered brass hardware joins to tell the story of usage. Like with the marble and wood, you can see which cabinet handles are used most often; the hard-to-reach handles remain shiny while the ones used most often develop a richer patina over time. The designer acquired the counter stools at a thrift shop several years ago for a negligible price and stored them away, knowing she would make good use of them for the right project. With this home’s classic detailing, she felt the stools would be the perfect match. Says Bina, “The quality of the stools is incomparable to what is available today and adds an authentic touch to this kitchen.”
Drawing inspiration from an antique owned by the client’s grandmother, the designer selected a warm, slightly reddish tone for the island cabinetry to complement the veining in the marble countertops. Once the island color was finalized, the designer selected a custom stain for the herringbone floor.
In the eat-in-area, a painted hutch adds a vibrant burst of color. Bina advises her clients to embrace color, “You won’t tire of it. If it’s a beautiful color that you enjoy, it will make you smile every time you pass by.” Asked to choose her favorite part of the kitchen design, the designer insists it would be the La Cornue range. In her words, “It’s a luxurious showstopper, and it works exceedingly well.”
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In the powder room, Calacatta Viola lines the floor. The custom millwork and deep, burgundy-colored walls are inspired by the designer’s favorite season, autumn. Polished nickel sink legs support a vintage-inspired sink and Visual Comfort sconces from Reflections Lighting complete this stately space.
After extensively searching for navy tile within budget, the designer chanced upon a closeout from Deco Tile for the boys’ bathroom. Combined with a wall-mounted vanity by Perlatto and a House of Granite countertop, the moody atmosphere that she aimed for was achieved.
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As our tour drew to a close, Bina reflected, “I have lots of thoughts and opinions on the obsession with using materials that are manufactured to look perfect forever. We are too obsessed with perfection. People are not perfect; life is not perfect. In fact, the most beautiful things are imperfect. God created the world. He is the master artist – every grain of wood created with a different pattern. I firmly believe that the wear and tear that shows in your home is part of the beauty. It shows how blessed you are to have a family, that people live in the house!”