Historic preservation seven finds me at work in my design studio reflecting and analyzing the rooms and our discussions during my August site visit. The first step, a floor plan, is the most important basic aspect. Why? Because it gives an excellent indication of the circulation for all rooms, and what furnishings will fit, and where. How you will use your rooms in a design scheme is an important element that I take seriously.
Shown below is the preliminary floor plan featuring the original c1815 rooms. The library (original kitchen) and dining room flank the center hall. The 2nd wing containing the living room is on the left. All three fireplaces are wood-burning and operational (inspection ordered). Another team is handling the 1st wing (kitchen, workroom, bathroom), however we briefly discussed an option for flooring in the kitchen, in addition to the main details for the four areas over dinner. A short audio is available at the end of this post.
During my first visit to Scariff in August, we sat down and talked over dinner regarding the circulation and placement of some of their existing antiques, new upholstery, fine art, and accessories. It is my job to find a place for everything, or if not, state reasons why not. Some of the topics of our discussion revolved around the mahogany American Classical sofa that occupied the parlor in the Ellicott City home. This will most likely move to the dining room at Scariff. Next, we talked about some of the amazing details that the previous owner added to the dining room.
- South wall mirror with decorative carving at the top
- Faux painting on the fireplace mantel and surround
South wall in the dining room. Image courtesy of Redfin Reality.
Close-up of existing mirror detail.
Show above is the built-in mirror and the decorative detail on the South wall. Proportionally, it is correct in its placement. My clients talked about the gilded mirror that they considered using instead. However, after seeing how this built-in ties the room together so beautifully, I was firm in my recommendation to allow it to remain. "Don't worry, I will find another place for the gilded mirror..." It is the perfect balance to a perceived trio of openings. Mirrors between windows, usually known as pier mirrors reflect light and erase harsh shadows. That mirror will move to the entry.
Fireplace faux marbleizing detail.
The faux marble effect on the dining room fireplace is convincing and artfully executed. However, with the tint of the green I selected for the paint palette, the coloring is not quite right. There needs to be more pink in the undertones. The moldings above are perfect and reflect 18th century influence.
We also talked about more decorative aspects such as window treatments. Many of you know how I feel about treatments that block too much of the light into a room. Unless of course, it is a media room. The husband commented upon the initial walk through, "Those will be the first to go...!"
While I do like the style because it fits the previous scheme perfectly, I agree they are a bit heavy for the room and both the husband and the wife prefer a more simple solution. Since there are no privacy concerns, the new treatments will compliment rather than dominate. The base idea is shown below.
Cornice detail
Then we moved on to the Library (original kitchen). After discussing some corrections to the plaster at the ceiling level, and some addition mouldings. I then talked about lighting the room. My initial idea utilized tiny down lights mounted on wire cables. The room is dark after dusk, with only one junction box in the ceiling. I also got a better sense of the room after seeing it. The original wood beamed ceiling looked top-heavy in the real estate images so this was a relief to know it is no longer an issue after physically being in the room. Virtual design is a good practice, however some aspects are best experienced in person. The room has to talk to me about what it needs or wants.
North wall in the library. Image courtesy of Redfin Reality.
Shown above is the Library viewed from the South Wall with markings for a possible cable lighting system. Other options exist. The line where the wall meets the ceiling is rough in some places and I recommended leveling it out, either with moulding or cleaning up the plaster irregularity. This is because the crown moulding on the book cases establishes a certain crispness in line on this wall that is not present on the other three wall/ceiling lines. The rest of the conversation centered around more decorative aspects such as fabric and pillows. Click the link below to listen in.
Meanwhile, I continue to refine the plan for circulation, and source furnishings and lighting for my next site visit in December. Do you have a new design project on your mind? If so book your Discovery Call with me and let's talk about it.
