Grand Estate

The interior of this country house is inspired by the grand estates of the turn of the 20th century. Carefully constructed historical elements like decorative moldings, ornamental plaster ceilings and herringbone floors imply period architecture, but this family mansion is actually newly built. With diverse furniture from Tudor-style to cane-wrapped pieces, as well as vintage porcelain and paintings that have more sentimental than artistic value, the decor makes no claims to historical accuracy. However, this masterful mix of details makes the interior alive and very personal.

The lady of the house’s study is lined with vintage hand-painted paper. This small room is enhanced with a Chippendale-style mirrored dado and grandly scaled antiques, such as the 19th-century French Revival writing desk and swivel chair from the estate of Lee Annenberg. 

The study was built to accommodate the large 18th-century French tapestry on the wall, which also became the starting point for the color scheme. Modern upholstered furniture is combined with a vintage Chinoiserie-style table and cane-wrapped chair. Antique Imari vases turned into the table lamps are complemented with checkered-linen lampshades, which give the interior a homely feel. The dark green background makes the study’s eclecticism seem more unified, while the contrast between the walls and the white ceiling and doors, as well as the light upholstery and rug, make the room look more modern.

Old-world romanticism continues in the private sitting room. The hand-blocked paper imitating lace swags with floral garlands is based on an archival design from the late 19th century. A French mirror in a carved giltwood frame adds a feminine touch to the space.

The combination of the large checks and floral print create an atmosphere redolent of English countryside.

The clients had a large collection of vintage porcelain from different eras. Istomin suggested using plates on the wall as elements of decorative architecture. 

A mood of fantasy is struck in the Persian-themed guest bedroom, featuring exuberantly scalloped custom pelmet and curtains with a complementing headboard. Walls and lampshades are enveloped with fabric depicting scenes from “One Thousand and One Nights.” The theme of Oriental exoticism is continued by a Syrian side table with mother-of-pearl inlay.