House Magazine

Family Room: Sleek and sizzle define this extraordinary room adjacent to a spacious light-flooded kitchen. Sophistication is added to windows with plaid and striped drapes.

Memories of beautifully designed rooms linger. Entering a spacious two-story entrance hallway, a furtive glance to the dining room and living room to the left and right looked enticingly familiar. Of course it was familiar! House Magazine had featured the design work of Marilyn H. Rose, interior designer, in her client’s smaller house some time ago. Building on this loyal relationship, designer and client contemplated the new opportunities presented by the client’s recent purchase of a larger house. Without sacrificing the furniture, accessories and antiques, the objective was to incorporate them into the new space and add-on as needed. Elegance along with contemporary flair had already been established in the former house. Pushing the glamour button up a notch appears to have been one of the goals for the new house. The essence of glamour is launched at the front hallway where a mirrored backdrop to an attractive staircase reflects a glittering chandelier. Walls are given a Tuscan faux finish. A Louis XVI bombe commode with gilt ormula displays a pair of antique crystal candelabras. A pair of stud-trimmed white salon chairs, an area rug in black with bold gold pattern rests on a rich walnut floor, all are captured in the oversized mirrored wall.
The living room is a symphony of monochromatic shades of whites and crèmes. Walls are silver leaf tiles, created by applying square sponges, partner with voluptuous silk drapes that add lustre. The contrasting black area rug with leopard patterned border defines the conversation hub. New touches that give the furnishings a fresh appeal include a bold, gold-framed round mirror above the fireplace. Molding on the mantel also display gold trim. Splashes of gold and silver pop up around the room on console tables, ends tables and as trim on the glass-topped cocktail table. The monochromatic milieu is well served with the gold and silver appliqués and antique accessories, which establish what Rose refers to, as a transitional style; the collaboration of contemporary components with classic antiques.

Across the hallway, the dining furnishings were provided with new wall treatments. One in a distinct cognac shade copied from the upholstery on a pair of dining room chairs that face off a wall of mirror. The collaboration of silver and gold tones is carried over from the living room and is especially apparent in the beautiful buffet. Towering gold planters keep vigil at each corner of the floor to ceiling windows featuring shimmering champagne silk drapes with scallops and fringe. Rose’s desire to add fresh nuances to these two rooms is revealed in a new customed designed gilt-trimmed console table with lion motif and marble top. A striking modern original painting by Wasserman defines the transitional focus of contemporary aesthetics with classical accessories and antiques. The glass tabletop strides a contemporary chrome base while silk clad chairs seamlessly blend with a pair of classic silver leafed trimmed, leopard patterned upholstered chairs.

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