THE WRIGHT BALANCE

Designer Studio Leonie Berger

Photographer Shmily Treger Studio

Writer Sara Lazewnik

Sculptural forms, neutral colorways, and geometric accents become the focus of this mid-century-inspired home. Malkie Berger of Studio Leonie Berger collaborated closely with the client to establish a clear style directive that guided the project from start to finish. A driving source of influence when designing the home was the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. This is especially apparent in the exterior construction, window arrangement, and decorating choices throughout. From the outset, the goal was unambiguous: to create an environment that feels warm and welcoming.

Interior and exterior became one when designing this home, with equal importance placed on both for a unified experience. Since these clients love to entertain, Berger devoted careful planning and thought into how best to accommodate their lifestyle while maintaining aesthetic excellence. From the get-go, every detail was taken under scrutiny, from where to place the house on the site, considering sun exposure, to integrating other grounds features such as the pool, tennis court, and patios. Bearing in mind the significance of the grounds, Berger focused on establishing a good flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces. This included mapping out circulation paths and transitions between all of the spaces, visualizing what would be seen when looking through each window, plus thinking about the natural light that would be entering the space.

Earthiness meets elevated living from the moment one enters the double-height foyer. A velvet terracotta bench sits beneath a black interpretation of the iconic Ultrafragola mirror, creating an atmosphere that is simultaneously airy and cozy. To the right, stone and wood stairs ascend, highlighting the home’s height and use of natural materials. Philip Jeffries wallpaper provides the backdrop, while a Frank Gehry wiggle chair serves as both a focal point and a grounding element. The cohesive color story and ambiance continue into the formal living room, where rust-toned chairs and a sofa sit atop a neutral rug, joined by a dark walnut coffee table in the center. Subdued yet grand, the fireplace serves as the room’s anchor. Clad in natural stone from Countrywide Stone, the design strikes a balance between minimalism and visual impact. Above the fireplace, mixed metals shimmer harmoniously, each finish complementing rather than competing with the other. A Dedar Fabrics footstool placed beside the sofa unites the room’s warm and cool tones. To support the carefully curated finishes, Berger worked with architect Sam Fligman and Majestic Moldings to channel Wright's energy to the window placement and detailing in a fresh, modern way.

As with any home designed for entertaining, the kitchen is a central hub, making both functionality and design essential. Neutral colors lend space for natural materials to speak, enhanced by an abundance of sunlight from the windows. Polished nickel fixtures contrast just enough without being overwhelming. This sense of cohesion is carried into the wet bar, creating an effortless flow and seamless transition between areas. In the dining room, simplicity gives way to drama. Cascading from the ceiling is a custom smoked Murano glass chandelier. Below it sits a bespoke dining table, surrounded by burnt-orange chairs and contrasting geometric-patterned head chairs. Beyond the table, a custom built-in offers storage and display, finished with bold statement hardware. Tucked in one corner, a striking detail appears: windows that meet at the corner, topped with a curved L-shaped rod for the drapes, expertly executed by House of Shades and Pergolas, who did all the window treatments for the home. This tailored window treatment exemplifies the project’s thoughtful balance of beauty and function.

The study is a magical box, filled with personality and rich jewel tones. “This was where the clients really showed their trust in me,” remarks Berger. The original inspiration was drawn from an archival fabric Berger discovered, which was then integrated into the rug design and set the tone for the room. Oak bookcases line the walls, while a custom desk and patterned chairs take center stage. Accents include a red desk chair and the deep teal drapes. An abstract wallpaper overhead reinforces the room’s cohesive language while adding dynamic visual interest.

Making parts of the daily experience fun and exciting is a sign of good design. To that end, playfulness is woven into everyday moments throughout the bedrooms and bathrooms. One bathroom features Calacatta Viola marble walls, accented by a silver geometric mirror and grounded by a floating taupe vanity. Another bathroom showcases a cream-and-black patterned tile, paired with a black-trimmed sculptural mirror, brass finishes, and a floating wood vanity. Though distinct in character, both bathrooms clearly speak the same design language. In the boys' bathroom, Berger chose a terrazzo tile to line the walls and floors, accented with an ochre vanity, intentionally balancing fun with refinement. The girl’s bedrooms exhibit the same thoughtfulness. Pale pink and dusty rose create calming and visually engaging spaces. Quiet touches such as micro-florals and aged brass accents contribute to the layered, expressive designs.

Berger’s favorite feature of the home is the pergola from House of Shades and Pergolas. “It’s a showstopper in a project full of showstopping features,” she muses. Oddly enough, this was the only major element that was not part of the original plans. The idea emerged during outdoor planning, when Berger recognized the need for a dedicated gathering and hosting space. She was thinking of family events, tzedakah functions, or lively parties. What started as a spark turned into a fundamental element of the design. The glass surround and light palette allow the pergola to mesh effortlessly with the home’s exterior and maintain visual continuity from inside.

According to Malkie Berger, watching the project take shape and come to life at every stage was the most rewarding part of the experience. To achieve results so astoundingly stunning, a deep trusting relationship must be forged between the designer and the respective client. And that trust was fully realized here. “They really allowed me to stretch my creative muscles and take it as far as I could,” she reflects. Seeing the finished home and knowing the client’s expectations were not only met but exceeded was the cherry on top of a successful collaboration.

URBAN LIVING