photos by David Bader
Fresh Fusion: Modern furnishings and classic accessories juxtaposed with architectural treasures original to the house establish a uniquely expressive environment.
Well-staged: Hand-painted stripes on the dining room’s 10-foot walls establish the home’s monochromatic palette. “Using the same neutral colors throughout allows me to mix and match decorative elements and rotate them room to room, as if on a giant stage,” Mackai says.
Mr. Texture: The entry hall’s eclectic mix of a cowhide area rug, an intricately carved cabinet, angular metal tables, ceramic Buddhas, chromed surfaces and a vintage print creates a play of textures while reflecting Mackai’s shopping philosophy. “I love things high-end and expensive, but my aim is to find the look for less. Once I have my inspiration, I work my way through the city one end to the other, hitting places like Crate & Barrel, DWR, Artasia and especially Marshalls, where I find an amazing amount of stuff.”
Global references, sisal flooring, embellished pillows and silken drapes transform an enclosed upper porch into a glowing contemplative retreat.
Suite success: When not utilizing his 13 feet by 30 feet living room, perfect for “throwing cocktail parties for a dozen at least once a month,” Mackai gravitates to his calm master bedroom suite, which encompasses the entire third floor and boasts an exercise room, master bath, sitting area and a huge, color-coordinated walk-in closet.
The Long View: While striving to define his first home with symmetry, balance and proportion, Mackai, 25, has learned a homeowner’s hardest lesson. “It’s all about running out of money and waiting to make more in order to start the next something, and I’m not a very patient person. But I love this house. It’s 6,000 square feet of amazing space, and I’ll probably be here until I’m 30 … But who knows? For the right price, I might just sell it tomorrow and begin again.”
