The Artistry Of Design
Photography by Nathan Harmon
As Chris Murphy, owner of Christopher Murphy Designs, approaches the design of any new project, he always refers to the mantra that has served him successfully for years.
“I listen to the house,” says Murphy.
In this instance, the project is a sprawling home in midtown Tulsa designed in 1995 by architect Gene Starr.
“It feels like Frank Lloyd Wright meets Santa Barbara,” adds Murphy. “It has a wonderful ease.”
This is the second home Murphy has designed for this young, active family, and they are only the second owners of the 6,800-square-foot home. The interior of the home was originally designed by Charles Faudree.
Since the couple does not live a formal lifestyle, a typical round table in the center of the oversized entry was not an option. When considering alternatives, Murphy focused on two factors: The homeowners entertain frequently, and they are in the process of building an art collection that is both playful and sophisticated. Featured in the dining room is one of a series of six P.S. Gordon’s well-known Men in Gowns that is a dramatic four feet wide by seven-and-a-half feet tall.
Murphy worked with Nebraska artist Shannon Hansen to create a sculpture for the entry that anchors the space but also pulls from the Gordon piece by using a pop of Ferrari yellow. Murphy designed the stepped black granite base as a nod to the Art Deco references in the home’s architecture. There is also space around the sculpture that allows for additional tables and guests to mingle when entertaining.
The house was a blank canvas, with one paint color and wood floors throughout, so Murphy’s goal was to use neutral furnishings to allow the art to pop with color. Several pieces from Murphy’s design in the family’s previous home fit perfectly into the new house. Virtually all the dining room furniture, including the area rug, was existing, although Murphy added a custom-designed mirror that reflects through the entry and into the living room.
The couple also had a unique request: They wanted to put a pool table in what was the formal living room. Because of the frequency and casual nature of their entertaining, Murphy’s goal was to create a series of areas to congregate in the large space, from the limestone-top game table to the raw silk sectional and round upholstered confidante. A Lucite table wraps over the ottoman, providing a convenient place to set a drink when playing pool.
The custom Mitchell pool table was constructed of maple and stainless steel with navy blue felt. Murphy designed an Edward Fields/Tai Ping deep carved area rug with a geometric pattern using the same blue tone that is also featured in the pair of paintings located on either side of the fireplace.
Below the paintings is a pair of custom bar cabinets fabricated from Palau wood with stainless steel inlay. The pullout drawers, lined in the same blue felt as the pool table, were designed to accommodate an array of specialty barware, convenient for entertaining in the family’s comfortable and welcoming home.
