Tafel House

A mid-century modern house in Scarsdale, designed by a disciple and student of Frank Lloyd Wright and saved from the wrecking ball in 2018, was bought by a young NYC family that wanted to update the house for the 21st century. SMA approached the project with admiration for Edgar Tafel’s 1951 design—especially the sweeping horizontal lines of the wood, brick, and glass structure, and the surprisingly functional split-level layout. But the interior was dark, worn, and cramped, and lacked the closets and built-in cabinetry needed for a growing family. SMA’s restoration retains the patina of time while lightening exterior and interior colors and stains; it respects the integrity of the design while opening up and reconfiguring spaces.

The restoration of the house uses a simple light palette: dark-stained wood floors are stripped bare and given a natural finish; the pale golden hues of Douglas fir are used for cabinetry and doors. The living room, with its dramatic roman brick fireplace and cathedral ceiling, is opened up to the dining room, and benefits from new recessed and cove lighting. The master bedroom suite is reconfigured for more privacy, the ceiling of the master bath raised to improve spaciousness. Outside, the strong horizontal lines of the house are emphasized by replacing the old asphalt shingles with a dark gray, wide-format porcelain tile. The entrance walkway is enhanced with wide, fan-shaped bluestone steps.