Formula 1 Game Room
The room’s design masterfully balances intense, vibrant Formula 1 team colors with an underlying softness suited for a modern home. The space is anchored by unique luxury pieces, notably a custom Ferrari-yellow shuffleboard and authentic Poltrona Frau leather seating. Original, racing-themed artwork elevates the aesthetic, featuring exclusive car photography, a Monza track painting by Cindy Saadeh, and a custom track-inspired cocktail table. Finally, the true showstoppers of the room are a stunning four-panel sepia mural of racing cars speeding through Tuscany by Jason Paul Smith and a custom 3D bust of Ayrton Senna.
Photography: Clara Chambers
What inspired you as you created this room?
I am always inspired by nature. That sounds crazy, since the room theme is Formula 1 racing! But I see nature’s beauty in everything, and I had the opportunity to work with an art photographer, John Zeitouni, who specializes in private car collections, especially related to Formula 1.
It was a whole new world for me, especially since I am known for historic Charleston properties! As I delved into his amazing portfolio of work, I thought what a great challenge for me: to combine the beauty of nature and softness with the world of motor sports.
Describe the person/people you see living in this room.
The bar and lounge I designed is for the ultimate Formula 1 fan, who happens to live in a traditional Atlanta home! This space is the perfect compromise of a happy couple- a wife who wants a beautiful, elegant home and a husband who wants the ultimate motor sports hangout! I created a space that would welcome enthusiasts, but still keep the overall vibe of the house.
What are some fun facts/tidbits about this space, the items in it, the reason behind the color scheme, why that chair, etc.?
The color scheme circles around Formula 1 team colors, which are intense and wild. Not exactly an easy color palette to work into today’s homes. I had to represent the colors, which are crucial to a true fan’s enjoyment of the space, but still keep the underlying tone of softness that this house required.
This space is so full of one of a kind items, it is hard to know where to begin! Of course, the custom shuffleboard from Milieu, with a Ferrari yellow playing field, commands your attention as soon as you enter. All of the leather in the room is from Poltrona Frau, the official leather of Ferrari and Aston Martin. The art photography by John Zeitouni depicts Formula 1 related cars from private collections in Atlanta.
An original wax painting by fine artist, Cindy Saadeh, represents the famous Monza track, as does the one of a kind Monza track steel and stone cocktail table by Charleston’s CR Construction Resources team. The piece de resistance is truly the 4 panel outdoor wall mural by fine artist Jason Paul Smith. I collaborate with him a lot, and this time I requested a sepia washed mural of Tuscany, with the surprise of Formula 1 cars racing through the countryside. What he created is an absolute masterpiece.
One more note: a 3D bust of Ayrton Senna, the world famous Formula 1 driver, was created especially for the show.
Anything else we should know?
With every design, I start with the client. Who are they and how do I create for them? I ignore trends and easy answers. Instead, I design every detail with the client in mind. The dedication to detail in this space is very typical of my work. And I think that is why my clients are so happy and why their designs stay fresh.