Parker worked with the homeowners to create artistic, historically accurate rooms, but ones that would serve modern expectations. Robert Benson for David Scott Parker Architects
The Connecticut house offered generously proportioned rooms with high ceilings, but previous remodeling had left it “simplified.” Gone were the roof cresting and soaring finials, the gable decoration and porch pediment. Woodwork of oak, chestnut, and redwood had been slathered in Colonial Revival white.
Architect David Scott Parker has a special affinity for the Aesthetic Movement, and knows it would have influenced the interior design and furnishing of an “artistic” house in 1882. Parker worked with the homeowners to create artistic, historically accurate rooms, but ones that would serve modern expectations. Now, the Music Room and Solarium are in the Aesthetic taste, with a generous helping of Arabesque design. The master bedroom’s gilded mantel and strapwork ceiling were inspired by James McNeil Whistler’s Peacock Room in London (now installed at the Freer Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.). Its modern bathroom is overlaid with a Victorian Moorish scheme.
Gone were the roof cresting and soaring finials, the gable decoration and porch pediment.
1. LUXE MATERIALS
Fine materials add to the opulence: stained-glass transoms; a rare, silvered lantern with a Tiffany Studios opalescent shade; custom leaded-glass sconces; antique Bohemian cranberry-glass vases set on marble counters.
2. EXOTICISM
The mystery and sensuality of the Middle East led to a style that was all the rage in the 1880s. Saracenic arches of turned fretwork divided rooms; Turkish corners were piled with cushions—all inspiration for this bathroom.
Saracenic arches of turned fretwork divided rooms; Turkish corners were piled with cushions—all inspiration for this bathroom. Robert Benson for David Scott Parker Architects
3. CUSTOM DESIGN
The spool turnings of a ca. 1890 “Mashrabia” screen in the window inspired similar custom fretwork for custom sink vanities and tub surround, complemented with Moorish-arch cabinets above. A mosaic-tile faux oriental carpet was designed in Morocco and inset in the limestone floor.
Be Inspired…
Cylinder pendant in Antique Silver.
The filigreed cylinder pendant in Antique Silver has Moroccan design inspiration. It creates a light show on walls and ceilings. For a single 60 w bulb, it’s 18″ high x 5″ diameter and has a 6′ chain. shadesoflight.com
Daltile’s Travertine Collection.
From Daltile’s Travertine Collection, 12×12 natural stone tiles in a honed finish are slip- and water-resistant. Baja Cream is a warm light neutral color; Mendocino and Turco Classic are more yellow or gold. About $5–7 per square foot. Other sizes, colors, and also limestone tile flooring are offered. daltile.com
‘Castilian’ vanity.
The ‘Castilian’ vanity has Mediterranean flavor. Made of solid birch and oak veneers, with a moisture-resistant finish, it’s 34 ” wide x 23″ deep. Tip-out top drawer and U-shaped drawer below. Countertop sold separately: Silastone, marble, granite, or your own. It’s $1,065 at vanitiesdepot.com; more at jamesmartinfurniture.com
Hand-painted divider.
Just Morocco is a Florida-based importer with a showroom in Marrakesh. Online, find furniture, framed mirrors, rugs, pottery and tile, room dividers and more. The hand-painted divider measures 66″ x 54″ and costs $550; special order, may be customized. justmorocco.com
