Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Country in the City




I'm still trying to complete my collection of Architectural Digest books. Just recently, I bought Architectural Digest American Interiors, published in 1978. I have to say that it's not one of my favorite AD books, but there are some profiled interiors that still look charming today.

Take, for example, this Upper East Side home of designer Thomas Morrow III. What's unique about the home is that it is an 1835 farm house that was built on the former Carnegie estate. (Because it was listed as a New York City historical landmark, I'm assuming that it's still there. If you know, please tell me.) According to the book, the house still had its original paint and 18th c. wallpaper when Morrow bought it sometime in the mid-20th century. Morrow said that the house had been neglected for years before he purchased it, although its structure was sound and its floors were in remarkable condition. While Albert Hadley helped Morrow to make a few architectural changes, it was Morrow who was chiefly responsible for the design of the interiors.

What's notable is that in addition to being an interior designer, Morrow was also an artist and a textile and wallcovering designer whose firm, Hannett-Morrow, was based in the house. You can see many of the firm's textiles in the photos below. What I find most interesting is that the adjoining living rooms look like a very elegant and glamorous New York apartment (one with overtones of Albert Hadley and Billy Baldwin,) and yet the other rooms like the master bedroom, the dining room, and the conservatory look like something straight out of a quaint country cottage. It's kind of an anomaly, and a most striking one at that.




There were two adjacent living rooms, each being 15 by 20 foot. The two photos above show one of the living rooms...







...while these photos show the other living area.






The Library. The artwork above the mantel was done by Morrow as well as a few friends.





A guest bedroom looks like something straight out of a French country house.





The master bedroom was like a sophisticated, stylized version of a country bedroom.





The rustic dining room.





The conservatory.







All photos from Architectural Digest American Interiors, Richard Champion photographer.

13 comments:

  1. Lindsay9:05 AM

    It is still there! I believe it is on 93rd between Park and Lexington Ave.

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    1. That's good to hear! I may seek it out on my next trip to NY!

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  2. Jennifer---Lindsay is correct. It is on 93rd between Park and Lexington Avenue in a row (3 or 4) of similar homes which are unusual because they are wood with front "yards" and porches as opposed to the typical brownstone/townhouse. I know the family that now lives in this house. I was in it several times during the renovation they did a few years ago. The family consulted with Ferguson & Shamamian architects on the renovation. It is STUNNING! Fortunately, both husband and wife appreciate history and the fabulous architecture already in existence and as you probably know, Ferguson & Shamamian always honors the past.
    I would certainly make an introduction for you to the wife so you can see it on your next trip to NYC. By the way, you and I need to meet! I recently moved to Atlanta (from New York and Lafayette, Louisiana) and live in Peachtree Hills. Lunch at Lapin one day soon? I am in New York right now and will be on e. 93rd later today. I will take a photo of the house now for you to see!
    Best, Jeffery McCullough

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    1. Jeffery, great information! So nice to know that the current homeowners have taken such great care of the house. Please do take a photo!

      You're around the corner from me. Email me and let's set up lunch!

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  3. You nailed it with the Hadley/Baldwin reference! There may even be a touch of Sister herself with the quilts. He definately had a great ability to channel the greats!! Fun post, thanks!

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    1. Sister Parish would have approved of many of the rustic, country elements!

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  4. Jeffery McCullough9:52 AM

    I misspoke (typed)..It was Fairfax and Sammons Architects (NOT Ferguson & Shamamian) that consulted on the house on e 93rd...I had the F & S part right but thought about it after sending message and realized I was wrong.

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  5. I have passed that home when in NY + glad to know of it's origins. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  6. While the "dog ear" interior trim may date from the Greek Revival 1830s, the doors and chimneypieces reveal an 1850s remodelling in the Italianate taste. So the wallpaper would have most likely been 19th century (rather than 18th). There are still a number of houses from an early date in Manhattan and it is a charming surprise to come upon them.

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  7. Great post Jennifer. I've always loved the charm of that house. I'm sure that Albert was there many times. I enjoyed also reading the other comments.

    Dean Farris

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  8. Have you seen the house where Philip Colleck Antiques is located? Simply charming.

    http://pigtown-design.blogspot.com/2012/01/nycphilip-colleck-ltd.html

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  9. Happy summer! I love the library! I loved keeping up with your blog! Love, Jamie Herzlinger

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  10. I've really enjoyed this post! I have to get this book!

    Maria
    http://www.unidentifiedlifestyle.com

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