Grand Historic Estate at New York
Nestled along the Gold Coast of Long Island, New York — a fitting title for an area that houses the personal estates of some of America’s richest families — is the A.H. Lyons estate, that goes to interior designer Kim Hendrickson-Radovich and her husband, Glen. Intent on bringing the estate’s unique grandeur without sacrificing comfort and style, Hendrickson-Radovich was guided by photographs of the original house supplied by historian and adviser Tom Collins. Collins’ input in the restoration job emphasized the opulence of their estate’s original characteristics, such as the plaster relief ceiling, the picture molding, and the herringbone timber and checkered marble floors.
at a Glance:
Who lives here: Kim Hendrickson-Radovich and Glen Radovich
Location: Huntington Bay, Long Island, New York
That is interesting: The house, which maintained its original tracery ceiling and plaster relief, is one of just two commissions on Long Island from Rouse & Goldstone, among the most successful architecture firms in New York from the early 20th century.
One of the most interesting features is the great room’s unique tracery ceiling with plaster relief, which showcases many different flora- and – fauna-inspired particulars. “The molding really needed to be dealt with; there was no consistency,” says Hendrickson-Radovich. “Some rooms had none, while some had a lot of. Having a strategy in your mind we added astrical moldings to ceilings to beef crowns up where necessary. I find this application gives the illusion that the ceilings are higher.”
Sofa: Custom Thompson, Lillian August
A return on the living room almost a century past. Compare this picture with all the previous image and you’ll see the way the ceiling, fireplace molding and surround have been restored and given another, updated life.
The room is a research in conventional architecture and decor: Elegant furnishings are grouped in formal and symmetrical structures; toss pillows and couch backs and seats are nicely cushioned, colour choices are neutral and muted, and plasterwork displays intricate detailing.
Kim E Courtney Interiors & Design Inc
Oriental rugs are as much in vogue today as they have been in 1917. But in this historic photograph, the rug’s presence goes past anchoring the entryway — it completely overwhelms it.
Hendrickson-Radovich keeps her 2012 entryway fresh by leaving the herringbone wood floors mostly bare, but for the addition of a rug that’s just slightly bigger 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 classic bronze chandelier place an elegant tone that’s matched by the remainder of the house.
The kitchen, upgraded and made fresh with chartreuse bar stool cushions, was an issue area for Hendrickson-Radovich. “The kitchen turned into a nightmare and was finally gutted. We replaced the laminated floors, countertops and cabinets; we removed the baseboard heating and replaced it with cast iron radiators,” she says. 1 surprise in the kitchen remodel: There have been a “few added foot behind a wall and an extra foot of ceiling”
Bar stools: Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design; pendant: Visual Comfort; island counter tops: Calacatta marble, Maiolo Marble & Granite
This light-drenched breakfast corner would create an early riser out of anyone. The tufted banquette’s grey upholstery gives off a tasteful silver sheen; the glass top classic table, country shade chandelier, and menu du jour on the chalkboard are nods to European country chic.
“that I reside in a piece of paradise,” says Hendrickson-Radovich. “There is obviously a breeze coming from the bay. I am able to hear ducks and geese calling to each other in addition to all the ships pulling into the sanctuary in the morning”
Banquette: habit, Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design; banquette fabric: Kravet; table: classic
The home is made for entertaining, with French doors making easy flow from one room to another.
This miniature crystal chandelier wrapped in a charcoal-hue silk shade is a nice surprise involving the old-world marble-tile walls and hexagon-dot-pattern flooring.
Chandelier: Kim E. Courtney Interiors and Design
Toile background, subdued neutrals and monogrammed linens talk the refined decoration language of the remainder of the house, however the shag area rug and mismatched yellow side tables throw a playful texture and colour punch into the space.
“At the close of the day, I want the home to look lavish and feel grand without sacrificing great taste and comfort,” says Hendrickson-Radovich. “It finally feels right to me”