www.privateairny.com Private Air | Spring 2022
103
Jose Solis Betancourt, principal of Solis
Betancourt & Sherrill, says that creating
authenticity was key. "e idea was not to 'slap on
some architecture' but to create a real atmosphere
and sense of history. We did this by adding
details such as rough-hewn beams, pigmented
plaster walls, and block stone floors. We also
incorporated reclaimed architectural elements
like doors, window sashes, gable vents, iron
brackets, and antique stone sinks. e more rustic
and weathered with peeling paint, the better."
When the custom made kitchen cupboards
were installed, Solis and Sherrill were not
fully satisfied. Solis says "We went at them
with hammers to create chips and gouges. e
contractor was shocked, but in the end, the
added texture looked just right." He says they
even purchased the scaffolding planks used
by the plasterers because the drips and scuffs
made for gorgeously textured shelves, beams
and crown moldings. e clients and interior
designers did a lot of the shopping together,
choosing paintings and antiques with an aged
patina to complete the dreamy, old world
atmosphere.
