St. Mary: Beautifully Modern

Subtleties make the world of a difference. Like an individual with manners and grace, color and harmony brighten a room with a sophisticated purpose. At St. Mary's, the task of transforming the dreary, modern interior into one of sacred beauty was, as always, a labor of love. Utilizing the best of our trade to facilitate these efforts both in the studio and the field, an “all hands on deck” type approach directed the problem solving to improved the modern interior. 

A change in color scheme was a relatively simple decision considering the tired blue scheme presented such an unwelcoming feel.  Natural, light and uplifting colors steered the palette development. The colors in the marble and Venetian plaster followed suit with the selection of simple designs and distinctions to offset the sanctuary as the most important area of the interior. The design of the marble was included in Canning’s rendered design and David Riccio, company principal, aided in the selection of all pieces.

Above the triumphal arch soars a commissioned painting of the Holy Spirit. The painting was completed in the Canning Studio on canvas and installed in the space. Other commissioned artwork can be seen at the choir loft balcony. Canning is also responsible for the design and execution of all the stencil designs throughout the interior

A newly designed floor aided in leading the eye to the focus of the church, the sanctuary. The floor aisle borders draw the eye down the center aisle, to the Blessed Mother’s monogram and up to the tabernacle. In the aisles, genuine marble was installed however, under the pews, porcelain was installed as a cost saving.

The original 1996 interior featured angular pews in the round creating odd corners in places where the pews would bend to make the half circle. The decision to select new radius pews in the round transformed the use of space and made sense of the church’s shape. 

Overall, the project required a comprehensive assessment and design process that allowed for a successful production experience. The thoroughness of the upfront work propelled the project forward with a distinct direction.