If a person were to ask me to offer an off the cuff phrase describing Sally’s and my style, I would say “classic traditional with an enticing European influence”. Having said that, there’s a piece of me that that will sit right up and say, “Whoa!” when I come across the right modern interior – an interior that uses form, surface, light and shadow to define and shape form, function and volume. Add an exterior that offers up not a clue as to what you are walking into, you have a formula that spells magic. Such is this project – a house with a stone exterior built in 1937 and an interior renovated to feel like a modern gallery in New York City.
Wouldn’t you expect a charming rustic interior?
The central fireplace has been reworked as part of an open floor plan.
Tucked around the corner… Antique keys.
Fantastic!!! A 1769 schrank & 18th century church pew play vs. tuxedo style furniture.
What’s a schrank you ask??? The short answer is it’s an antique wardrode.
Love the sweep of the shelves and counterpoint of modern tufting and practical period furniture.
What a compostition – modern island between antique painted chairs and rustic shelves - brilliant!
Look at the different thicknesses of the shelves. Real understanding of scale and weight!
Cantalevered shelves again. The antique windsor chair looks so alive! Context!!!
Saarinen Womb Chair, modern quilt, folded tin sand pipers, antique basket having a conversation.
A singular vision throughout. Beautiful!
Could you live here?
All images from Architectural Digest, Architecture by French & Crane and Jeanne Scandura. Interior Design by Lauren Sara.
the light interior is stunning and quite honestly, I think, fits the exterior as well..the interior is a little rustic so it flows seamlessly with the exterior…
gorgeous designs..
best,
maureen
Interesting how you see it, as I don’t see the interior architecturally as rustic. It’s so neutral that it’s the collections make it feel rustic, but in a very modern way – if that makes any sense at all…
Cheers,,
John
I love this mix of seemingly opposites. Done in the right was as this home obviously is it feels so personal and and interesting. You have to have real vision and talent to pull this off.Thanks for your encouragement this past week. My head is coming up out of the water. Have a great week. XO, Mona
Mona,
I look at this project and see singular vision, down to the very last detail. Nothing was left to chance. Pretty remarkable,
Yes, you will make it. And we’ll be there when the road gets bumpy.
Cheers ,
John
Well done house. Thoughtful and sensitive. I could see myself wandering from room to room looking at everything…
I keep wondering whether over time the gallery like feel would make me feel that the space is a too sterile and impersonal to me.
Cheers,
John
Hi John – yes that interior doesn’t look at all like one would expect. Love the finishes on the walls (they look like Sandstone to me – I don’t know if they said anything about that in the article).
Just reading your post is like taking an interior design class. Thanks for your perspective – right on target…as always!
Linda
PS – thanks for your kind words on my blogpost. Made me very happy!