We first met Matt and Kibibi Ganz when we were hired to make over their 2 bedroom condo in Somerville. Two years later and with a growing family, they decided that it was time to lay down roots and build a custom home in Winchester.
What makes this project different from any other of our previous projects is that we designed all 5.500 square feet off of the architect’s blue prints. It was imperative to Kibibi that the moment the home was finished with its construction and inspections, they would be able to move in immediately and feel comfortable, with absolutely zero transition or empty areas of the home. Like the Hajj residence, we were responsible for sourcing and designing every last detail throughout the entire home. This was the first project where we had that opportunity.
Kibibi is originally from Uganda, and moved to the U.S. in the late 80’s as a pre-teen. While in College, Kibibi met Matt. They recognized & shared passion for world travel and joined the Peace Corp together. As young professionals, the two traveled the globe and became influenced by design and culture from some of their favorite international cities, such as Paris, Marrakesh, and London.
When it came time to designing the Ganz’s new home, we were instructed to make the home feel cheerful, inviting, and most importantly, “international”. For us, this meant incorporating graphic textiles, tile and wallpaper, adding pops of color in strategic places, and using as many items from Kibibi’s home country as possible, such as the traditional Juju Feather Hats displayed in their Family Room, and the woven baskets hung in the Guest Quarters. Matt’s only request, is that for his home office, he wanted to feel as if he were in an episode of Mad Men. For their daughter Eva, a Moroccan themed bedroom was requested, and includes a custom faux-finish wall treatment.
This project was a cover feature for the June 2014 issue of the Boston Globe Magazine.