The designer: Michael Rabatin, Michael J. Rabatin Design Studio, Minneapolis, 612-616-9685 (www.mjrdesignstudio.com)
From dated to dramatic: Homeowner John Ollmann wanted to turn the dated peacock and rust-colored living room of his Minneapolis riverview loft into a cozy gentlemen's club where he could showcase his art collection. "I really love wood and thought that would give it a clubby feel," he said.
Wall of wood: Rabatin worked with architect Tan Nguyen, who helped him remodel the entire unit. Nguyen redesigned the fireplace wall, covering it with rich mahogany panels. He incorporated a new ribbon gas fireplace with crystal stones surrounded by a black granite hearth.
"The wood walls are a neutral canvas to show the artwork," said Rabatin. Other walls are painted white to contrast with the dark wood.
Functional furniture: To open up the living room, Rabatin removed a dining room table, and arranged two new sofas, upholstered in masculine gray wool flannel, into an L-shape to reveal the view of the Stone Arch Bridge. Ollmann's vintage chairs were moved closer to the fireplace.
Art adjustment: Rabatin rearranged and edited the artwork and accessories, relocating many pieces to a new "collectors gallery" created from a gutted bedroom.
"We decided to focus on a couple of good pieces. Less is sometimes more, especially in an open floor plan when you want to take in the view, the terrace, as well as everything else in the room," said Rabatin. "Removing pieces will let it breathe." He designed a spotlighted niche for Ollmann's 1920s Iannelli statue.
"Michael helped me figure out where to place my art so it feels more like a collection than a knickknack shop," Ollmann said.
