Bronze A' Design Award Winner 2025
REGHINA IVANCO's Taste of Luxury Residential House presents an interior vignette orchestrated around a central fireplace composition that establishes bilateral symmetry as the governing geometric armature, anchoring the entire spatial experience within a framework of classical equilibrium and contemporary refinement where the dominant chromatic scheme reveals itself through warm neutrals, specifically beige, taupe, greige, and creamy ivory tones that occupy the upper registers of the value scale, creating a high-key luminous atmosphere punctuated by strategic accents of burnished brass or aged gold visible in the metallic finishes, the deep charcoal to near-black of the fireplace opening, and subtle rose-gold or dusty blush notes in the organic decorative elements, establishing an analogous harmony with metallic accent strategy that conveys sophisticated restraint and material luxury through tonal subtlety rather than chromatic saturation. The compositional architecture adheres to strict symmetry with flanking vertical panels establishing rhythmic repetition, each panel framed by fine linear moldings in pale champagne tones and inset with vertical fluted or reeded surfaces that introduce textural variation through the play of light across parallel grooves, creating a subtle chiaroscuro effect despite the overall high-key illumination, these panels function as architectural framing devices that direct attention toward the central focal point where the feature wall of book-matched marble slabs commands visual gravity through dramatic veining patterns in warm umber, sienna, and gray-brown tones that radiate organically across the pale creamy ground, the natural stone's figuration suggesting geological time and organic growth frozen in mineral form. Spatial construction employs shallow perspectival recession, the composition maintaining strong picture plane integrity while suggesting modest depth through the layering of foreground seating elements, middle-ground fireplace surround and mantel zone, and background wall plane, this compressed space emphasizes surface, pattern, and frontal presentation over deep illusionistic penetration. The foreground hosts two sculptural seating forms, organic pod-like chairs upholstered in cream bouclé or textured wool that reads as soft, yielding, and tactilely inviting, their rounded biomorphic contours contrasting with the rectilinear architectural envelope and introducing a contemporary sensibility that balances classical symmetry with modern formal freedom, these seats flank a low cylindrical table in brushed brass or bronze-toned metal, its reflective surface catching and diffusing ambient light, upon which rests a shallow bowl or tray in pale stone or ceramic containing several cylindrical candles in ivory tones, their vertical forms echoing the fluted wall panels and introducing another layer of rhythmic repetition. The fireplace itself presents as a horizontal rectangular aperture with dark surround, within which glowing flames provide warm amber illumination suggesting live fire or highly realistic simulation, the hearth adorned with organic elements including dried grasses or pampas plumes in tawny beige tones that echo the overall palette while introducing textural complexity and naturalistic reference, these botanical accents soften the architectural severity and introduce movement through their feathery verticality. Above the mantel, positioned at the precise center of the composition, a sunburst mirror in radial form commands attention, its gilded rays extending outward in regular intervals creating a circular halo effect that functions as both decorative accent and symbolic focal point, the mirror's reflective center catching and multiplying light sources while creating spatial ambiguity as it reflects unseen portions of the room, this radial form introduces dynamic energy into the otherwise orthogonal composition and serves as crowning ornament within the hierarchical arrangement. The mantel itself, rendered in the same pale marble as the feature wall, presents a clean horizontal ledge supporting a symmetrical arrangement of slender taper candles in crystal or glass candlesticks, their transparent forms contributing additional vertical accents and sparkling luminosity, the candles arranged in groups of three or five following classical odd-number compositional convention. Flanking wall panels incorporate recessed lighting fixtures, small circular downlights that provide soft ambient illumination and create subtle wash effects across the fluted surfaces, enhancing the textural reading and contributing to the overall warm, inviting luminosity that characterizes the space, the lighting paradigm combines this architectural lighting with the warm glow of fire and candlelight, creating multiple overlapping sources that produce complex, flattering, psychologically comforting illumination without harsh shadows or dramatic contrast, suggesting a transitional time of day, perhaps twilight or evening when artificial lighting becomes primary and interior spaces offer refuge and intimacy. The ceiling treatment visible in the upper register employs stepped or coffered detailing, recessed planes creating architectural depth and visual interest overhead, this detailing in the same pale neutral palette maintains chromatic unity while adding dimensional complexity, the ceiling's geometric articulation providing subtle counterpoint to the vertical emphasis of the wall panels and hearth composition. Surface finish throughout reads as smooth, polished, and refined, the marble displaying natural gloss, the fluted panels suggesting matte or satin painted wood or plaster, the metallic elements presenting brushed or antiqued surfaces that avoid mirror-bright reflectivity in favor of sophisticated patina, and the textile elements offering soft, matte, absorbent surfaces that provide textural and visual relief from harder architectural materials. Edge treatment throughout maintains crispness and precision, the moldings and panel frames presenting hard, clean edges that speak to meticulous craftsmanship and architectural discipline, while the organic forms of the seating and botanical elements introduce softer, more ambiguous boundaries that create balance between geometric rigor and organic freedom. The overall affective register conveys tranquility, luxury, warmth, sanctuary, and timeless elegance, the space inviting contemplative rest and intimate gathering, suggesting residential refinement that honors classical architectural tradition while incorporating contemporary comfort and biomorphic softness, the mood evokes sanctuary from external demands, a carefully composed environment for restoration and aesthetic pleasure where material quality, proportional harmony, and restrained palette combine to create an atmosphere of sophisticated serenity and understated opulence that rewards sustained attention and invites physical and psychological ease.
The Taste of Luxury project is an example of architectural design, blending classical elements with modern principles. Spanning 240 square meters, this residence includes three bedrooms and a living area, all featuring high-quality materials such as marble and brass. The design incorporates custom Italian furnishings and windows that allow natural light to fill the space, creating a refined atmosphere. Designer Reghina Ivanco carefully considered the client's wishes and made thoughtful adjustments to the layout to suit the needs of a family of three.