LUX Design: Contemporary with a Sophisticated Twist
Edward and Allison Karahdian graciously invited our crew into their North Fresno residence.
This home is the perfect blend of understated opulence. The moment you walk in, you are greeted with oversized windows from the living room that bathe the space in light. This space is anchored by artwork on the far right wall and built-in shelves across the spectacular living room. Dramatic lighting glows on various art pieces, and one-of-a-kind blown glass bowls and trinkets. A baby grand sits left of the fireplace. A mixture of tones, fabrics and woods make up the design aesthetic of the space, which was mostly designed by Edward.
Right off the foyer, you see the classic dining room. The table has a beautiful piano finish. Minimalistic art is displayed as an oversized glass chandelier casts a glow, accenting the dramatic red walls. Anchoring the space is a custom walk-in wine room. There the couple stores all of their favorite vintages, making it easy while they host various dinner parties, which they do often. Edward is an amazing cook and his specialty is pizza, which he prepares in the outdoor pizza oven right off the pool. Every year, they host a variety of summertime get-togethers—where they entertain close friends and acquaintances that go way into the evening.
Right off the dining room sits the kitchen. This bright space has a French country twist. The walls are yellow and a farm sink sits in the island looking out on the breakfast room with an idyllic view of the backyard. From the breakfast room you have view of the gated herb garden, which is lined in pea gravel, reflective of gardens you would find in Europe. The couple enjoys growing fresh ingredients for their meals and signature cocktails, one of which is a fresh gin and cucumber martini. Back inside the kitchen, various cookbooks and knickknacks line the shelves. Fresh flowers are a standard for this room, which is used often in this household.
Off the kitchen sits the back staircase. This brings guests upstairs to the contemporary game room. Custom artwork is a focal point in this space, anchored by an oversized sofa and television. Creams and gray tones complete the calming feeling of this space. A hallway can be found behind the wet bar, leading to a plush oversized guest room and bath, complete with one-of-a-kind light fixtures and a walk-in shower. Also upstairs on this side of the house is where Edward and Allison have their home office. The space is tucked away behind frosted glass pocket doors. Copious amounts of storage can be found on this level, concealed behind flush custom cabinetry they had built to store all of their holiday decorations, and various odds and ends.
When you head back to the foyer, a spiral staircase leads to another isolated office space lined in bookcases. This is a more intimate area for the couple. Off this second office/library, a sauna can be found. There is tons of personality in the blue room. Here Edward stores his record collection, which they like to break out and listen to during quiet evenings at home.
Back downstairs is where the master suite resides. The custom geometric wallpaper makes for a soothing, relaxing space. Perfectly matched, the textured paper makes a statement the moment you walk into the room. The master bath has green tile and another enormous walk-in shower.
The one thing I find most appealing about this house is the love the family has for their home. There was an enormous amount of detail and thought that went into each space—truly one-of-a-kind and filled with special touches that only these owners could infuse. It’s a true feast for the senses and something that could never be duplicated in any other home... a signature abode that will leave guests with an impression to last a lifetime.
Story Asher Corey
Photographer Eddie Melikian
