ROMANCING THE STONE

Ron Mann’s Newest Seduction – A Penthouse in the Vineyards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2011

Napa, CA — World-renowned designer Ron Mann is known for his gutsy choices, the latest example being a spectacular just-completed residence perched over a view of peaceful grape vines on Lovall Valley Road, near Sonoma, California.

“When you’re inside this sophisticated home, it’s as though you’re on the top of a tall building. But then…it’s such a surprise…such intrigue…because as you look through the floor-to- ceiling windows (and they’re all around you), you realize your view is true California rolling hills and vineyards!” said the designer standing in the great room himself.

Nestled against a carved niche and an almost wine-cave-like hillside, it seemed a natural choice to Mann to continue the somewhat rocky terrain into the home through the use of natural stone – most selected from the extensive inventory of slabs at the Bay Area’s own Integrated Resources Group.

As example: A monolithic slab of pure black granite juts into the dining space, somehow suspended, it’s depth of darkness heightened by the river washed (satin) treatment utilized for additional texture. Each bath and powder room begs for tactile interaction. In fact, every room literally seduces you into touching, soothing, and stroking the exquisite surfaces.

“The Master Bath is a particularly sexy room,” says Mann. “I used IRG’s Blue Louise Marble (also known as Golden Zeller) extensively because I was in love with the odd combination of Turquoise and Ochre…you just don’t see that color combination often. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that my wife’s name is Louise, too” he adds with a twinkle.

“I design homes that add beauty to the occupants and make them feel even more attractive. I believe when you’re in beautiful surroundings, you feel more beautiful yourself…and you can take that beauty out into the world,” continues Mann. “Being in this dressing room is a wonderful example…it’s such a glamorous, romantic experience…the natural color in stone enhances this.”

When Mann needed a second stone for the vanities, Giallo Noce’s strong coloration mesmerizes and compliments the surroundings in an almost un-pretty way…its lush, seductive qualities drawing you in…to be lost in its depths.

“This house is about being awed,” says Louise Mann, whose bold and sumptuous textiles fill the spaces as well. “It’s the way Ron works…and it is totally awe-inspiring to think that these surfaces were produced by nature…that they came from all parts of the earth. These stones literally come in every color in the spectrum.”

And, indeed they did as Integrated Resources Group sources exotics from India, Italy, Greece, Brazil…and more, stocking over 10,000 slabs consistently – the largest inventory in the Bay Area -- in two exceptional warehouse/showroom locations.

In one upstairs bath, Mann chose khaki Cypress Green Limestone to pull the outside vegetation in, thus creating a quiet, peaceful space. While, in another bath, he took the opposite tactic using aluminum and powder coated steel to punctuate the black & while scattered Persa Pearl Granite in an almost frenzy of energizing elements.

“Choosing stone is actually my favorite part of design, “continued Mann. These slabs can be beautiful on their own – absolutely – but it is the way you translate them…the delineation…the intent of the home that comes into play.”

And if Mann’s intent was to inspire us and to seduce us into respite, his Penthouse in the Vineyard is well-intentioned indeed.

Media Contact
Dilmohan Chadha
dilmohan@marblecompany.com