{"id":196011,"date":"2022-05-09T12:07:40","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T16:07:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/?post_type=id_project&p=196011"},"modified":"2022-11-16T10:11:45","modified_gmt":"2022-11-16T15:11:45","slug":"dufner-heighes-transforms-a-historic-house-in-pelham-new-york-into-a-modern-family-home","status":"publish","type":"id_project","link":"https:\/\/interiordesign.net\/projects\/dufner-heighes-transforms-a-historic-house-in-pelham-new-york-into-a-modern-family-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Dufner Heighes Transforms a Historic House in Pelham, New York into a Modern Family Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\"Dufner
Dufner Heighes designed the mudroom\u2019s Bubble table; the terrazzo flooring by Artistic Tile incorporates marble chips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

May 9, 2022<\/p>\n\n\n

Words: <\/span>Jen Renzi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photography: <\/span>John Ellis<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

Dufner Heighes Transforms a Historic House in Pelham, New York into a Modern Family Home<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Flip back a page, please. Now, kick up your feet, relax\u2014here, have a cocktail\u2014and observe this intriguing wood-paneled room: the resolutely leafy view, that groovy triangular window, the serene quiet, the vintage-heavy furniture scheme. Bet you think this is the living room of some cozy \u201970\u2019s-mod cabin on a remote rural plot, right? Well, surprise! In fact, this is the second-floor sitting room of a painstakingly preserved century-old Edwardian-style manse within shouting distance (although please don\u2019t; the baby\u2019s sleeping) of the Bronx.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dufner Heighes<\/a> was the firm tasked with future-proofing the historic Pelham, New York, house for a growing family. The 7,100-square-foot dwelling has an intriguing back story. Previous owners include the island nation of Barbados, which used it as an embassy, and a Coca-Cola executive who frequently hosted President Eisenhower there back in the 1950s. Another head of state, George Washington, reportedly stayed on the property, too, in a structure that once stood on this abode\u2019s exact footprint. That provenance piqued the interest of Erica Holborn, CEO of Sandow Design Group (Interior Design<\/em>\u2019s parent company) and a self-professed real-estate enthusiast. \u201cI\u2019m a house-with-a-story person,\u201d she admits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In
In the second-floor primary suite\u2019s sitting room, windows are angled to follow the roofline; a print by Linda Colletta, Sky III, joins a Dufner Heighes\u2013designed Stop coffee table, a D\u2019Urso sofa, and vintage wing chairs reupholstered in shearling.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When Holborn and her husband, Andrew, first saw the property listing, they deemed the eight-bedroom too big for their needs. Fast forward a year later. Their Dufner Heighes\u2013designed Sutton Place apartment was getting a bit too snug for their expanding family (especially with WFH in the mix), and their upstate getaway, a 1970\u2019s A-frame designed by Frank Lloyd Wright prot\u00e9g\u00e9s, was too far from the city for full-time residency. Plus, the Holborns got an offer on the latter that they couldn\u2019t refuse. So when the price dropped on the Pelham place around the same time, they finally took a look\u2014and were sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the structure\u2019s many attributes was that it had been pristinely restored, from the oak millwork to the original hardware. \u201cIt was a perfect situation, because the previous owners had updated a few things, like the kitchen, but restored everything else\u2014stripping layers of paint off moldings and all that stuff no one wants to deal with,\u201d notes Daniel Heighes Wismer, firm copartner with Greg Dufner. In short, it was practically turnkey. Early site visits suggested the project would be primarily decorative and cosmetic: reupholstering some existing furnishings, buying new items to fill in a few gaps, replacing antique light fixtures with more modern designs, updating cabinetry, hanging artwork. Midway through planning the new kitchen, however, it became apparent the current footprint was underscaled for the size of the house and had an awkward, dinky island unsuited to cooking and dining. \u201cDuring one of our meetings with the team from Bilotta, with whom we were designing the kitchen,\u201d Wismer recalls, \u201csomeone questioned whether we could tear down a wall to annex the adjoining butler\u2019s pantry\u2014and that changed everything,\u201d necessitating plumbing and electrical rerouting plus new structural steel. \u201cMy dream has always been to have a butler\u2019s pantry,\u201d Holborn sighs. \u201cAnd then I finally buy a house with one\u2014and promptly take it out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monthslong renovation was well worth it. The new scheme is much brighter and airier, with a long Arabescato Corchia marble island that seats four, plus a window-wrapped breakfast nook. Dufner Heighes deployed two patterns of Artistic Tile terrazzo flooring, one incorporating marble chips, to create area rug\u2013like accents that delineate spatial zones. Shaker-style cabinetry is simpatico with the period architecture yet modern enough to suit the d\u00e9cor. The same flooring and cabinetry also extend into an adjacent space, a former family room that now serves as a storage-packed mudroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dufner
Dufner Heighes designed the mudroom\u2019s Bubble table; the terrazzo flooring by Artistic Tile incorporates marble chips.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The reinvention of a living space as service-oriented hub made sense, given the floorplan already offered a generous number of hangout areas, including the ground-floor salon and contiguous sunroom, a second-floor playroom for two-year-old Marlowe and baby Bodhi, a sitting room off the primary suite, and the family and game rooms that anchor the daylit basement level. \u201cThe challenge,\u201d Dufner says, \u201cwas how to make each living space feel like it had a unique function and purpose.\u201d Seating in particular was selected with specific activities and postures in mind. Thus the salon\u2019s more upright Bob sectional, its firm, snakelike form perfect for perching with a glass of wine; the sunroom\u2019s more lounge-y Bouroullec Brothers Ploum sofa, a holdover from the upstate house (albeit newly reupholstered); and the super deep, nap-conducive sofa in the family room, where TV viewing occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the house has a traditional layout, with discrete rooms, they open graciously onto each other, and curating sight lines was particularly important. Many features were considered holistically so they would work together from room to room. On the first floor, for instance, \u201cthere are points where you can see the ceiling fixtures in the sunroom, living room, entry hall, and the dining room all at once,\u201d Wismer explains. \u201cSo the lighting we specified all needed to work within their respective rooms and also as a cohesive group.\u201d Furniture and other accents were chosen and placed similarly, he adds. \u201cThere was a balancing of where we could go a little wild and where something had to be toned down so it wouldn\u2019t get too heavy or layered.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of going a little wild, check out the dining room wallpaper. The pattern, a trippy graphic confection in riotous hues, tents the room, extending up from crisp wainscoting lacquered a mercurial green-gray color. The op art patterning is the perfect jazz riff on the abode\u2019s 1914 bones. \u201cThe contrast between historic and modern is just so great,\u201d says Wismer. A sentiment that summarizes the project top to bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
A pair of Finn Juhl chairs and a Bob sectional designed by Thomas Bernstrand and Stefan Borselius furnish the living room\u2019s seating vignette; the area rug, like most of the floor coverings throughout, is from Aronson\u2019s. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"Near
Near the living room fireplace, with original oak millwork, a Jaime Hayon side table cozies up to a leather daybed.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"In
In the foyer, a portrait by Elizabeth Peyton is complemented by handmade paper flowers by Livia Cetti and a custom table by Casey Johnson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"In
In the dining room, wallpapered in Borderline Chinoiserie by Voutsa, a Kiki Smith print, Fawn, hangs over a Jaime Hayon credenza; a flock of mouthblown glass birds adds height and interest to the oak table by Philipp Mainzer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"In
In the sunroom, a Bouroullec Brothers Ploum sofa joins an Iacoli coffee table featuring a custom top in onyx from Artistic Tile.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Works
Works in India ink from Hugo Guinness\u2019s \u201cWobbly Records\u201d series garnish the game room, adjacent to the lower-level family room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"In
In the kitchen, with Shaker-style cabinetry from Bilotta, Dufner Heighes added a built-in banquette to maximize space; the chairs and stools are by Hans Wegner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Daughter
Daughter Marlowe\u2019s bedroom features an Edward Wormley Knowland chaise, Finn Juhl Eye coffee table, and Lee Jofa\u2019s Prism Pastel wallpaper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A
A custom bar in ribbed oak backdrops the lower-level family room, with a Hans Wegner Mama Bear chair and Simple side tables by Dufner Heighes; marble from Artistic Tile tops the Space Copenhagen Fly table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\"Flavor
Flavor Paper\u2019s Happy Butterfly Day wallpaper and a Gio Ponti mirror bring zing to a powder room.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"The
The primary bedroom is furnished with a Lawson-Fenning Chiselhurst bed, custom Simple bedside tables by Dufner Heighes, a Michael Robbins Ranger bench, and a painting by Bruce Tolman. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Katie
Katie Hammond\u2019s Ol\u2019 Dirty Bastard accents the stair hall, illuminated by Louis Poulsen pendants.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
product sources<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
sitting room<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
knoll<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
dunbar<\/span><\/a>: side table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
design for macha<\/span><\/a>: ceiling fixture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through noguchi shop<\/span><\/a>: floor lamp<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
garrett leather<\/span><\/a>: armchair shearling<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
kvadrat<\/span><\/a>: side chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
LIVING ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
bl\u00e5 station through scandinavian spaces<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
house of finn juhl<\/span><\/a>: chairs<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Gubi<\/span><\/a>: coffee table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aronson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
bd barcelona through ddc<\/span><\/a>: green side table.<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Fredericia<\/span><\/a>: daybed<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
lawson-fenning<\/span><\/a>: vessels<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
MUD ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
bilotta<\/span><\/a>: cabinetry<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Artistic Tile<\/span><\/a>: flooring<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
seungjin yang through the future perfect<\/span><\/a>: pink stool<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Blu Dot<\/span><\/a>: yellow ottoman<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through noguchi shop<\/span><\/a>: pendant<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
STAIR<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Louis Poulsen<\/span><\/a>: pendants<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
DINING ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
voutsa<\/span><\/a>: wallpaper<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
e15 through stillfried wien<\/span><\/a>: table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Carl Hansen & Son<\/span><\/a>: chairs<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
iittala through fiskars group<\/span><\/a>: glass birds<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
bd barcelona through ddc<\/span><\/a>: credenza<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aronson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
GAME ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
mitchell gold + bob williams<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aronson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Carl Hansen & Son<\/span><\/a>: Lounge<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Blu Dot<\/span><\/a>: side table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through john derian<\/span><\/a>: artwork<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
sun room<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
ligne roset<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
iacoli<\/span><\/a>: coffee table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
CB2<\/span><\/a>: side table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
KITCHEN<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Artistic Tile<\/span><\/a>: flooring, counters<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
bilotta<\/span><\/a>: cabinetry<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Carl Hansen & Son<\/span><\/a>: chairs, stools<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
e15 through stillfried wien<\/span><\/a>: table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Louis Poulsen<\/span><\/a>: pendants<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
FOYER<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
casey johnson studio<\/span><\/a>: custom table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Blu Dot<\/span><\/a>: ottoman<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through john derian<\/span><\/a>: flowers<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aj madison<\/span><\/a>: appliances<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
NURSERY<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
lee jofa<\/span><\/a>: wallpaper<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through design within reach<\/span><\/a>: rocking chair<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
dunbar<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
house of finn juhl<\/span><\/a>: coffee table<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
floyd<\/span><\/a>: shelving<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
stokke<\/span><\/a>: crib<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
FAMILY ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
rejuvenation<\/span><\/a>: ceiling fixture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
nessen lighting<\/span><\/a>: gold lamp<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
&tradition<\/span><\/a>: coffee table, ottoman<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Carl Hansen & Son<\/span><\/a>: green lounge chair<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
mitchell gold + bob williams<\/span><\/a>: sofa<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aronson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
kvadrat<\/span><\/a>: mama bear chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
zak & fox<\/span><\/a>: club chair fabric<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
BEDROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
design for macha<\/span><\/a>: ceiling fixture<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
michael robbins<\/span><\/a>: bench<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
lawson-fenning<\/span><\/a>: bed<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
once milano<\/span><\/a>: quilt<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
aronson\u2019s<\/span><\/a>: rug<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
POWDER ROOM<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
flavor paper<\/span><\/a>: wallpaper<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
Gubi<\/span><\/a>: mirror<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
THROUGHOUT<\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n
visual comfort through circa lighting<\/span><\/a>: table lamps (sitting room, dining room, family room, bedroom); ceiling pendant (living room, dining room, foyer); floor lamps (living room, nursery); reading lamp (living room)<\/span><\/section>\n\n\n\n
through furniture from scandinavia<\/span><\/a>: items from fredericia, house of finn juhl, gubi, carl hansen & s\u00d8n, louis poulsen, and &tradition<\/span><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n