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Houzz Tour: Grand Historic Estate in New York
The fine architectural detail of a Long Island home gets an update without losing its elegant and traditional bones
Nestled along the Gold Coast of Long Island, New York — a fitting name for an area that houses the private estates of some of America's wealthiest families — is the A.H. Lyons estate, which now belongs to interior designer Kim Hendrickson-Radovich and her husband, Glen. Intent on bringing back the estate's original grandeur without sacrificing style and comfort, Hendrickson-Radovich was guided by photos of the original house provided by historian and consultant Tom Collins. Collins' input in the restoration work highlighted the opulence of the estate's original features, such as the plaster relief ceiling, the picture molding, and the herringbone wood and checkered marble floors.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Kim Hendrickson-Radovich and Glen Radovich
Location: Huntington Bay, Long Island, New York
That's interesting: The house, which kept its original tracery ceiling and plaster relief, is one of only two commissions on Long Island by Rouse & Goldstone, one of the most successful architecture firms in New York in the early 20th century.
Houzz at a Glance:
Who lives here: Kim Hendrickson-Radovich and Glen Radovich
Location: Huntington Bay, Long Island, New York
That's interesting: The house, which kept its original tracery ceiling and plaster relief, is one of only two commissions on Long Island by Rouse & Goldstone, one of the most successful architecture firms in New York in the early 20th century.
| One of the most interesting features is the great room's original tracery ceiling with plaster relief, which showcases a variety of flora- and fauna-inspired details. "The molding really needed to be addressed; there was no consistency," says Hendrickson-Radovich. "Some rooms had none, while others had too much. With a plan in mind we added astrical moldings to ceilings to beef up crowns where necessary. I always find this application gives the illusion that the ceilings are higher." Sofa: Custom Thompson, Lillian August |
| A look back on the living room almost a century ago. Compare this picture with the previous image and you'll see how the ceiling, fireplace surround and molding were restored and given a second, updated life. |
| The room is a study in traditional architecture and decor: Refined furnishings are grouped in formal and symmetrical arrangements; throw pillows and sofa backs and seats are well padded, color choices are muted and neutral, and plasterwork displays intricate detailing. |
| Oriental rugs are as much in fashion today as they were in 1917. But in this historical photo, the rug's presence goes beyond anchoring the entryway — it completely overwhelms it. |
| Hendrickson-Radovich keeps her 2012 entryway fresh by leaving the herringbone wood floors mostly bare, except for the addition of a rug that is just slightly larger than the entryway table. |
| The black and white checkered marble flooring laid in a diagonal pattern is original to the house. The floor's polished finish and the antique bronze chandelier set an elegant tone that is matched by the rest of the house. |
| The kitchen, updated and made fresh with chartreuse bar stool cushions, was a problem area for Hendrickson-Radovich. "The kitchen was a nightmare and was eventually gutted. We replaced the laminated floors, countertops and cabinets; we also removed the baseboard heating and replaced it with cast iron radiators," she says. One surprise from the kitchen remodel: There were a "few extra feet behind a wall and an extra foot of ceiling." Bar stools: Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design; pendant: Visual Comfort; island countertop: Calacatta marble, Maiolo Marble & Granite |
This light-drenched breakfast nook would make an early riser out of anyone. The tufted banquette's gray upholstery gives off an elegant silver sheen; the glass top antique table, country shade chandelier, and menu du jour on the chalkboard are nods to European country chic.
"I live in a slice of heaven," says Hendrickson-Radovich. "There is always a breeze coming off the bay. I can hear ducks and geese calling to each other along with the boats pulling into the harbor in the morning."
Banquette: custom, Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design; banquette fabric: Kravet; table: antique
"I live in a slice of heaven," says Hendrickson-Radovich. "There is always a breeze coming off the bay. I can hear ducks and geese calling to each other along with the boats pulling into the harbor in the morning."
Banquette: custom, Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design; banquette fabric: Kravet; table: antique
| The home is made for entertaining, with French doors creating easy flow from one room to another. |
This petite crystal bathroom chandelier wrapped in a charcoal-hue silk shade is a pleasant surprise amid the old-world marble-tile walls and hexagon-dot-pattern flooring.
Chandelier: Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design
Chandelier: Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design
| Toile wallpaper, subdued neutrals and monogrammed linens speak the refined decor language of the rest of the house, but the shag area rug and mismatched yellow side tables throw a playful texture and color punch into the space. "At the end of the day, I want the home to look luxurious and feel grand without sacrificing good taste and comfort," says Hendrickson-Radovich. "It finally feels right to me." |
Ideabook published on May 8, 2012.
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I love interesting ceilings, and have created illusions of patterned mouldings, see attached.
Black and white floor is beautiful. Very nice renovation.