Rochester Hills and Tuscany Villas-- a centuries-old region of Italy that is two-thirds rolling hills: Each boasts a hilly landscape, but that's where the similarity starts and ends, unless you're Bob and Linda Viazanko.
"We really wanted an older European look, primarily Italian, in our new home," says Linda Viazanko, who works with her husband of 27 years in his Rochester Hills-based Viazanko Construction Services business. "We've never been to Italy, but Bob, especially, wanted a traditional Tuscan feel in this home."
Bella is the best word to describe the 5,400-square-foot home with its 2,500-square-foot walk-out lower level in a hilly subdivision with sprawling lots, a pond and wildlife that includes frisky deer.
From rustic Tuscan villas to Spanish Colonial haciendas to chic French chateaus, American homeowners have embraced old-world ambience in recent years, and interior designer David Naylor explains why.
“The continuing popularity of old-world style is about more than just antiques and Europhilia," Naylor writes in his 2008 book, "Old World Interiors" (Gibbs Smith, $40).
"What makes this aesthetic so appealing is its underlying spirit of fine craftsmanship, dedicated artistry and high-quality materials."
The 2003 movie "Under the Tuscan Sun," based on Frances Mayes' book and starring Diane Lane, helped romantize the look, too.
While the Viazankos' home is still new -- the couple have been in the house for less than two years -- it feels as if it's been in place for decades, thanks in large part to the craftsmanship, materials (limestone, wrought iron, granite), one-of-a-kind murals and fine furnishings (new, not antique) that will become tomorrow's heirlooms. Linda Viazanko and her interior designer, Pamela Sape of Gorman's Lakeside location, took Homestyle for a recent home tour.
Homestyle: Talk about a drop-dead gorgeous vaulted entry with a curving wood staircase, wrought-iron chandelier, limestone floor and two-story mural.
Viazanko: We really love the way our murals turned out. Gorman's muralist Dolores Anetrini painted several murals and wall sayings for us throughout the house. We asked for Italian-inspired hilly landscapes with architecture, and she did a quick pencil sketch and then worked on each mural for seven to eight days.
Tell me about the home's color scheme, which seems to glow even in the daylight.
Sape: Bob and Linda wanted soft, warm, welcoming interiors in an earthy palette of bronzy-browns, golds, reds and greens.
And the furnishings?
Sape: Most of them came from Gorman's, including the living room's Sherrill sofa and armless chairs, Henredon swivel chairs and Paul Roberts leather cocktail table. The breakfast room's table, chairs and counter stools are from Vanguard. The formal dining room table and chairs are by Century, and the buffet is by Artstica.
Viazanko: My husband likes to shop online, too. He found a leather tray for an ottoman and a wine barrel online, and then inscribed our name on them.
What are your favorite spaces?
Viazanko: I love the terrace with its fireplace off the kitchen. I do love the dining room, too, in particular the crystal chandelier from Great Lakes Lighting.
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