John Kenderdine House

Our client, a financial services firm, selected this historic 1859 residence as its new headquarters. As much of the house had been altered over time, the renovation was conceived as a workplace inspired by the building's history rather that a strict restoration.

As a backdrop to the original entry stair railing, we created a gallery wall composed of vintage mirrors, photographs, and artwork, many sourced from antique shops and collectors. New wool runners complement the historic detailing. In the adjoining reception area, new curved millwork is paired with traditional furnishings. Existing doors and window casings were painted in a contrasting color to emphasize their importance withing the original architecture.

Across from the reception area, the former parlor was converted into the primary conference room. Its centerpiece is the custom-made table featuring swirled crotch mahogany field with tulipwood string inlay and primavera veneer border. Vintage furnishings were selected with a tonal damask wallpaper enveloping the space. The existing fireplace woodwork, a more recent alteration to the house, was retained and complemented with new blue and white tile surround. An alabaster chandelier was fabricated in Spain as a reproduction.

A smaller meeting room features a reproduction oval walnut tilt-top table with Victorian-inspired chanderlier, vintage ornamental chairs, and traditional window treatment. Its TV is recessed in a custom millwork wall finished with a vibrant, saturated color. Just outside the meeting room we designed a custom coffee bar with an integrated undercounter refrigerator and glass-fronted upper cabinets.

The bathroom renovation feasture honed marble mosaic tile flooring with cobalt=blue tile wainscot, mahogany wood trim, and chinoiserie wallpaper. A nineteenth-century French mahogany commode was convereted into a vanity and paired with a vintage Jacobean Revival cabinet and antique brass fixtures.

Typical private offices upstairs combine new sit-to-stand desks along with antique furnishings, vintage wool rugs and accessories, extending the diaglogue between historic charactor and contemporary workplace throughout the building.