Peaceful Places (110)Noel Lindenmuth's home is a unique combination of the modern and the ancient. His love for the southwest inspired him to design a Native American-style kiva—or large, underground ceremonial chamber—in his Chicago, Ill. home. Take a look inside Lindenmuth's opera kiva, an emotional center where he can express his love for music.
Then, take a glimpse inside the special place a Chicago-area couple created for their daughter to practice her dance moves. Their ordinary attic was transformed into a magnificent mirrored ballet studio, and the different floor levels were used to turn the space into three separate rooms, including a television room and office, as well as an exercise room.
Finally, we'll meet Steve, a writer from Hancock Park. The office in his 78-year-old Italian-style home was created with the help of his sister, an interior designer. Steve's breathing room is a perfect sanctuary where he can write his scripts, away from the stresses of Hollywood.
Kiva Facts:
- Noel Lindenmuth's house is called "Crooked Pine," named for a 150-year-old tree on the property.
- The broken-glass window once fooled police, who thought there had been a break-in.
- Lindenmuth's kiva is based on those used by the Anasazi tribe, which usually built their kivas underground and used them for ceremonies, rituals and meetings.
- Traditional Native American kivas had ladders for access. Lindenmuth's has a painting of a ladder instead.
Ballet Attic Facts:
- Design and construction of the ballet attic took two years.
- The windows in the exercise area face south for sunny morning workouts.
- The pool is carved out of a hill, with a stone retaining wall for privacy.
- The porch provides a 360-degree view of the backyard and pool.
Office Sanctuary Facts:
- Steve wanted a home office so he could spend more time with his daughter.
- Steve designed the fireplace in the living room. It was based on one he saw in Italy.
- The office faces the pool because Steve believes it's a "visual resting place."
- When Steve worked in an office, he hated florescent lighting and always rearranged lamps in order to avoid it.
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