1897 Victorian
When asked to design the interiors of this 1897 Victorian Queen Ann style home I was thrilled at the prospect of creating something original, “out of the box” but still classic and sympathetic to the architecture in every way, but no Victorian decorating clichés!! I planned to give the dramatic architectural elements a pastiche and showcase all the beautiful details. In the meantime, I nicknamed the property “My Pink & Green House”. Present in the stain glass throughout the house, it was the springboard for all my design choices.
A full renovation was underway when I arrived. Everything being replaced was authentic & correct, from interior door hardware to cased openings. It was inspiring to see such care and thoughtfulness in the restoration.
A view of the stunning original stained-glass window in the stairwell!
From the moment you enter the original features were imposing in the most engaging way possible. It was difficult not to burst into an “Oh Wow” moment. The stairs, the stain glass, the original floors, the pocket doors, the plaster walls, on and on…. A tableau of tasteful appointments! The goal: restraint while keeping it fresh, exciting & relevant. In the foyer an antique cassone chest with a powerful oil painting complements the masterful staircase.
The advantage of ten-foot-high ceilings allowed for some dramatic window treatments. I decided in the living room to use the embroidered fabric as valances (repeated on chairs) and patterned sheer fabric so that the natural light saturated the rooms. Repeating the sheers in the dining room as roman shades with velvet panels impart consistency in design.
The house is approximately 3500 square feet, although not an open floor plan by any means, it was important that the rooms have natural progression with each other.
Creating harmony with distinction is part of my design philosophy. This philosophy underpins each room.
All rooms are wallpapered; I love the challenge of tying all the design features together. Specifying a stylized damask paper in the foyer with pale green overtones nods to the green in the stairwell stain glass, a strie’ in the living room in taupe/beige creates a great backdrop for the textiles, while a bit more drama in the dining room a scrolling design within a stripe named “Trentino” showcases the furniture. Adding some whimsical elements such as the “Dolphin mirror” and “Bubble” Chandelier keep the spaces from getting too serious.
In restoring the dining room door lead glass, I was fortunate to work with Kim Kurki of Osler-Kurki Studios in Bucks County. While the transom in the dining room door was intact, the main bottom half was badly damaged. Not knowing what the original design looked like we had to rely on the transom design to inform us. We played with scale, different glass types and layouts until we agreed on what you see here today. Although tedious in getting it right, it was a fun experience to work with lead glass design. The bell above the door is original.
Creating harmony with distinction is part of my design philosophy. This philosophy underpins each room.
Just off the dining room a “Le petit dejeuner” spot was created. Storage was at a premium, so I designed a custom cabinet in a niche, great for serving, storing linens, stemware, silver & China. It adds a lovely architectural feature to the space. A custom chandelier and window treatments give a finishing touch. A glimpse of the back staircase in the background.
Tucked around the corner we created the tiniest powder room I could ever imagine. We passed code so we moved on to the fun of decorating it with vanity skirt and matching wallpaper.
The second floor was completely reimagined. Individual rooms were repurposed into the Primary Bedroom, a study/sitting room, a laundry room and primary closet. Designed for empty nesters. Here you see the Primary bedroom is cloaked in blue grass cloth. Bespoke curtains with beaded valances envelop the room, while the fireplace, antique art, sconces, chandelier & rug highlight this elegant but welcoming room.
The bath is tucked under a dormer, which I feel is always a charming feature. The use of the “Bird & Thistle” wallpaper on the angles of the wall really pulls the space together. The Victorian chest & mirror were family pieces retrofitted into a vanity.
The sitting room with a custom-designed bookcase creates a great spot for late-night TV watching or reading.
I provided all the mantle & cabinet designs and had them executed & installed by my cabinet maker in Long Island City, NY.
A special thank you to all of the art & antique dealers I patronize from Lahaska to Lambertville that help elevate my work and keep interiors interesting.
