Rising to the Occasion

Flanking the fireplace, wall-hung mirrors reflect not only the beauty of the living room but also the symmetry of the mantel arrangement, which simply consists of two urns and one impressive work of art. “From the outset, the Finklemans knew that they wanted an uncomplicated look,” says designer Carole Weaks, “and they stayed true to that notion throughout.”

In the living room, back-to-back Edward Ferrell sofas from Ainsworth-Noah create two distinct seating groups, which works perfectly for the way the Finklemans use the room. “When they entertain, it“s large groups,” says Weaks. “This way, we were able to get in a good bit of seating.” Slipper chair upholstered in Travers fabric. Gilt floor lamps from Parc Monceau.

A work of art by Belgian artist Patrick Villas makes a striking first impression in the entry.

Down to the last detail“like this sconce“there“s an artistic approach to each piece.

A color palette comprising sophisticated neutrals complements, and doesn“t compete with, the owners“ impressive art works.

Atop a console in the entry, a Salvador Dal�?­ drawing is the first clue that the owners are serious art collectors.

Mirror from Parc Monceau. Console from Ainsworth-Noah. In the library, comfy seating and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were top priorities for the Finklemans, who are both avid readers.

“The dining room needed to seat 14, so we found a table that“s a nice fit on an everyday basis,” says Weaks. “And the owners really responded to the sculptural essence of the Nancy Corzine chairs.” The furnishings“ neutral hues allow the room“s single work of art by Isabelle Melchoir to be the indisputable star.

This end of the living room has a more informal air, thanks in part to the transom-topped French doors that open to a balcony. The pair of chairs is by Rose Tarlow and the berg�?¨re and ottoman are by Nancy Corzine, all available through Ainsworth-Noah.

The master bedroom“s color palette is appropriately quiet, allowing the beautiful penthouse view to take center stage.

Perhaps the most personal art in the house, drawings of shoes over the headboard in this guest room, were created by the owners“ daughter when she was in college.

A second guest room, outfitted with twin beds, is decked out in a calming blue hue and punctuated with pattern, right down to the painted chest. All of the beds are dressed in linens from Gramercy Home.

The penthouse, at the Aberdeen in Vinings, was sky-high. And so were the dreams of Carole Weaks’ clients for its design. As a consultant for the condominiums, Weaks met Dr. and Dr. Finkleman when the couple was making preliminary choices for their new residence. Though they interviewed several designers to help them complete the project, the Finklemans knew C. Weaks Interiors was the perfect fit.

“They felt strongly about having a clean look—that penthouse feel,” Weaks recalls. “They have an international background, they’re both professionals and they travel extensively. Their time here is their quiet time, when they fill their tanks back up. They didn’t want a lot of color or clutter—just serenity.”

That played right into the designer’s understated approach for the penthouse project. “When you have those kinds of views in a high-rise, you don’t want to mess them up,” Weaks says. “You don’t want the eye concentrated in the middle of a room; you get a lot of ‘design’ by just looking out.”

Because the couple brought with them little more than their art collection, Weaks was effectively starting from scratch. Still, the artwork presented a challenge in itself. “It’s from their travels, and is very stylized,” she explains. “You can’t over-decorate when you have that kind of art.”

In fact, adept though she is in the art of display, Weaks was at first apprehensive about her clients’ collection. “It’s so different from what I usually hang, so I worried a little,” she admits. “I looked at [my assistant] Douglas and said ‘How are we going to hang all this art?’ But that turned out to be a defining moment. We knew we had to make it work because our ‘signature style’ is making the very best of our clients’ style.”

Here, that definitive style comprises a neutral palette that lets the art stand out. Furnishings throughout are classic yet comfortable, whether the Finklemans are enjoying a quiet night at home or entertaining a crowd.

“What delights me most is that they are delighted,” Weaks says. “From the beginning, they knew what they wanted; not once did they contradict themselves. They knew their taste and had very high standards. Because they are professionals, and give 100 percent, they expect the same in return. The fact that they are so pleased with the result is the highest compliment.”

INTERIOR DESIGN C. Weaks Interiors ENTRY: CONSOLE Ainsworth-Noah MIRROR Parc Monceau ART Patrick Villas through C. Weaks Interiors LIVING ROOM – VIEW TO FIREPLACE: LUCITE COFFEE TABLE Smith Grubbs & Associates SOFA AND CHAIRS Edward Ferrell through Ainsworth-Noah SLIPPER CHAIRS Through C. Weaks Interiors, covered in Travers fabric GILT FLOOR LAMPS Parc Monceau LIVING ROOM – VIEW TO FRENCH DOORS: COFFEE TABLE Amy Howard SABER-LEG CHAIR Rose Tarlow BERGERE WITH OTTOMAN Nancy Corzine DINING ROOM: DINING TABLE Amy Howard DINING CHAIRS Nancy Corzine ART Isabelle Melchoir through Tew Galleries DEN: SOFA AND CHAIRS Edward Ferrell through Ainsworth Noah ART Homeowners’ collection ALL BEDROOM LINENS Gramercy Home GUEST BEDROOM: PAINTED CHEST AND CHAIRS Through C. Weaks Interiors