The Dead Calm musical score earned Graeme an Australian Oscar for best score, and was the first of over 100 film and television scores he has written to date. It was that creative thought process and the outside-the-box mentality that also led Graeme to his other love of designing and building things, pairing perfectly with Victoria’s sense of design and placement of space. Their entire home, except one guest room upstairs, has been completely transformed into a work of art that has style yet is inviting, with an indoor/outdoor feel. “We are a good team with similar tastes,” said Victoria. “He builds, and I like the fluff like detail or accent pieces.” Not all their ideas are hits right off the bat. Victoria pointed out the two chandeliers in their living room by Dutch designer Brand van Egmond. “When they first arrived I didn’t know what to make of them or if they would fit in, so we left them in the garage for a while,” she said. “Then we put them up and it all worked.” Victoria said her favorite room is the master bathroom, which set the stage for the rest of the house. The kitchen was their next focus. “It was very dark and cave-like,” said Graeme. “There wasn’t much natural light, so we started knocking down walls and opened the house up. We put in glass French doors in the kitchen overlooking the pool, which can be completely opened up, so the outside is part of our cooking area.” “I love cooking in the kitchen,” said Victoria, who also likes to entertain. The duo lightened up the kitchen with neutral colors, added modern Italian cabinetry, and replaced the grouted tile countertops with Cosentino Eco counters made from recycled glass. Graeme then added to the modern counter with a natural element when he hand-built an extended bar made from English elm. “We try to add our personal touches,” said Graeme. “I made the counter, while Victoria helped push the saw.” “When I came to the United States I noticed that American homes don’t utilize the conveniences that Europeans have been using for many years,” said Graeme. “Good European products are functional, look cleaner and are way easier to clean. When you are in the wine growing region you don’t have to necessarily look Tuscan or like the ‘American Tuscany.’” On the tour, be sure to check out the unique space age oven with a gas stovetop that is sunken under glass as well as the century glass around the pool area that can be removed, opening up the infinity pool that is the same level as the kitchen floor. Throughout the rest of the house you will find contemporary Japanese artwork adorning the walls, with stainless steel side tables accented with wood and many other surprising finds. The Revells said making the Napa Valley home was a good decision. “The people here are friendly, approachable and there is a sense of community,” said Graeme. “When you live on a boat and are moving constantly you can’t develop the community feeling. In the Napa Valley we can.” Graeme is currently working on a score for the third of a trilogy entitled Riddick, out later this year. Both are also inventors. Graeme is developing the Wall Level while Victoria just patented her diaper wallet, a functional, chic, handbag-shaped clutch that “doesn’t scream mommy,” entitled Lilly McLovely. Graeme Revell M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 3 19
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