Sailing into Luxury: How Luxury Design Captured the Essence of a Grand Voyage
Step into 1961, the exclusive dining room at North Hills Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, and while there are no ship wheels or anchors in sight, the space captures the essence of a luxury yacht.
Interior designer Antoine Pontón of AP Designs masterfully crafted a space that exudes elegance and adventure—all without ever leaving land.
Design with Vision
Originally a ballroom rented for special occasions and conferences, the 1961 space needed a transformation to align with the club’s new focus on elevated member experiences.
Half of the ballroom was converted into a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, while the remaining space became an intimate dining area reserved for upscale, adult-only dining.
From the polished surfaces to the warm wood tones, every element in 1961 was carefully selected to tell a story. Antoine describes the design approach:
"I always try to have a theme or goal that I’m visually trying to achieve in a space. Here, I wanted to evoke the feeling of a luxury yacht or cruise liner—not literally with anchors and ship wheels, but through the use of polished surfaces, warm fabric and wood tones, and elongated linear elements that convey a sense of journey and adventure around the perimeter of the room."
From the parquet floor to the copper tin ceiling, the space is rife with detail that is not overtly nautical but produces the same refreshing aesthetic.
Why Tin Tile?
To create an atmosphere of luxury and refinement, Antoine turned to tin ceiling tiles as a key design element.
"This project was a renovation and refit of an existing space that already had a drop ceiling system in place," Antoine explains. "The budget didn’t allow for a full structural change, but American Tin Ceilings' products provided the perfect solution. The vast selection and services allowed me to still be creative and original with my design despite limitations."
Antoine chose Pattern #1 in Copper Penny in the drop-in style, which covers the dining room ceiling in three coffers trimmed with white wood beams.
Copper tin ceilings not only elevate the aesthetic but also offer practical benefits like durability and ease of installation. By incorporating them into the design, Antoine was able to maintain the upscale feel of the space while working within the project’s constraints.
Incorporating Patterns with Confidence
The 1961 is a masterclass in blending patterns and materials. Antoine’s expert use of textures and finishes ensures the space feels cohesive rather than overwhelming.
For those looking to incorporate multiple patterns into their own designs, Antoine offers this advice: "Always start with a clear vision. Have a theme or goal in mind that ties everything together. Then, use materials and textures that complement each other while reinforcing your design narrative."
Bringing the Vision to Life
The transformation of the 1961 is a testament to how thoughtful design choices—like the addition of copper tin ceilings—can completely elevate a space. By blending classic elements with a modern approach, Antoine has created a dining experience that is both luxurious and inviting.
Looking to bring a similar timeless elegance to your own space? Explore American Tin Ceilings’ vast selection of tin tiles and discover how they can add character, depth, and sophistication to any design.
About Antoine Pontón
"I have always been interested in design from an early age, but I didn’t officially enter the industry until later in my professional career," Antoine shares. "After an amazing internship with a luxury design firm in New York City in 2016, my previous experiences and connections really came through as I started my own referral-based interior design firm, AP Designs."
Antoine's distinctive aesthetic was cultivated in the South, where he developed an appreciation for the art of entertaining and the importance of functional space utilization. His unique approach is characterized by earthy surfaces, exquisite singular details, and vibrant colors.
He skillfully intersperses classic elements with modern living, incorporating meaningful artifacts that range from subtle to standout. His designs harmoniously blend polished and unprocessed finishes, reflecting his understanding of the exceptional and his love for the refined.
