Before & After: A New Kitchen Celebrates the Curves of a Dome-Shaped Home in New York
DAAM streamlines the sinuous kitchen of Shell House, a quirky Upstate retreat that also hosts an artist residency.
DAAM streamlines the sinuous kitchen of Shell House, a quirky Upstate retreat that also hosts an artist residency.
When Lydia White and Ian Fleming sent friend and architect Elyse Agnello the listing for a funky, shell-shaped home in Upstate New York, Agnello deemed it "awesomely appropriate" for the couple. Lydia and Ian lived in Brooklyn but were exploring the possibility of becoming homeowners outside the city and, they say, "fell in love with the property immediately."
The home, which was originally designed by local architect Seymour Rutkin, was completed in 1996 according to his ideals of sustainable living. Lydia and Ian were quick to appreciate the residence. "It's immediately apparent that Rutkin deeply considered the impact of space and environment on human spirit and creativity," Lydia says.
Courtesy of DAAM
The home, originally completed in 1996 by architect Seymour Rutkin as his own residence, is set atop a hill in a small town in the Catskills. Its iconic, dome-shaped design stood out to Agnello, who founded the Chicago-based design firm DAAM with architect Alex Shelly. "The large white shell and signature orange porcelain–on–aluminum panels of the south-facing facade are set in a natural backdrop such that the home appears simultaneously playful and majestic," explains Agnello.
Before: Entryway
Lydia, a designer focused on climate and community, and Ian, a product management leader in life sciences, purchased the house in the summer of 2015. About a year later, they began discussions with DAAM about renovating the kitchen. "Our earliest conversations focused on how to celebrate Shell House’s form and sustainable features while modernizing both its aesthetics and building systems," recalls Agnello. The idea was to create a more comfortable, contemporary living environment.
Before: "I have long had an interest in retro futurist and utopian architecture, and felt a kinship to the space," says Lydia. The couple purchased the home in 2015 and established their artist-in-residence program in 2018.
Courtesy of DAAM
After: Entryway
The new entryway features a door with circular windows inspired by the curves of the home. Storage for coats and shoes is tucked in the custom cabinetry.
Photography by Lydia White
See the full story on Dwell.com: Before & After: A New Kitchen Celebrates the Curves of a Dome-Shaped Home in New York
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