Where the Living is Easy

One man who deserves some of the credit for the house's stark and serene appearance—Parisian furniture designer Christian Liaigre—has never set foot in the place. Much of the furniture came from Christian, including the living room's linen sofas and divan, a pair of dining room tables, and some of the bedside tables. Katleen bought a great deal of his furniture for their London house at the same time. "We're good customers," she says with her characteristic dry restraint. "He's my favorite designer by far."

A stainless-steel outdoor shower—installed along the path to the front door—keeps the kids cool.