The exterior of the home of Jim and Martina Glasgow unveils itself as eclectic, comfortable and full of personal style. Stepping into the home reveals more of the labor of love built into this lively, yet peaceful, warm space. With California craftsman architectural style and Japanese and Moroccan influences, the interior is like travelling around the world in a single breath.
The quality of locally sourced craftsmanship is obvious and provides architectural interest. Natural materials, like painted terracotta tile from Mexico, personally crafted stained glass, Ipe wood and locally sourced cypress support the unique style of the owners. Polished concrete floors add to a rustic appeal. Innovative installations of lighting in the transoms, ceilings and floor warm the interiors. Salvaged items appear in the form of hangers used to suspend the cabinetry, the ladder to the attic space, Asian inspired furnishings from Lexington vintage shops, and decor crafted from unusual elements. The art is world class — from the colorful large-scale works of Ellen Glasgow (Frankfort) to the brightly glazed pottery of Laura Ross (Louisville), and the personally selected collection of dishware, vases and crocks.
The interior supports the enchanting, romantic tale of this beautifully collected home. A whimsical home built with a love for craftsmanship. Breathe in its warmth and charm.
- Cabinetry: The elm cabinetry is crafted from a salvaged Korean barn and built by Canada-based Greentree Cabinetry. The upper cabinets were designed to be suspended by cable from the ceiling creating a floating effect. Brackets originally used for the display of old iron sinks were used to create the effect. The uniquely designed doors and frames have inset panels. Solid black polished granite was used for countertops.
- Surfaces: Several tile patterns were used throughout the main living area and the master bath, some with brightly glazed terracotta with Mexican influence, others with a uniquely Mediterranean flair. Much of the tile was impressively laid by the owners. The polished concrete floors work well with the unstained wood tones of the timber framing and vaulted ceilings. The natural wood tones of the Douglas Fir interior doors and cypress trim support the craftsmanship.
- Art: The installation of a dramatic 6-foot by 11-foot landscape in bright blues and greens by local artist Ellen Glasgow (Jim’s mother) is breathtaking. More Ellen Glasgow works, including oil paintings, watercolors and collage are found throughout the home. Intricate leaded stained glass pieces crafted by Martina catch the light as it moves through the house. Almost everything in the house carries an artistic note, including the range. One could also say that the stunning white Fratelli Onofri Royal Chiantishire gas range is a piece of art on its own.
- Collected: The owners have a keen eye for collecting as evidenced by the pottery, architectural salvage pieces and comfortably worn leather upholstery. There is something worth catching your eye in every corner. Sometimes “it feels like a party,” other times it invites visitors into its extraordinary comfort.
- Whimsy: It’s not only the bright color against a primarily neutral backdrop that makes this house entertaining. It is the whimsy found in the many party lights suspended over the kitchen, the glass block skylight found in the floor of the kitchen, and the paper chandelier from IKEA over the dining table. The periwinkle blue desk in the foyer, the bright gold area rug in the great room and the turquoise stoneware help make this home uniquely personal.
