The Gilded Age

Just as spring breezes inspire us to throw off the heavy woolen trappings of winter, so can a significant historical change influence fashion and architectural design.

The Neoclassical style of the first decade of the 20th century had a lighter, more eclectic feel than the preceding Victorian era, and also foreshadowed the upcoming Art Deco movement.

And although this co-op is located in a building constructed in the mid-1920s, interior designer Noel Jeffrey referred to that earlier time when creating this master suite. He began with a blank slate, as these rooms had originally been part of a separate apartment. The owner joined the two units, and what once was a living room became the master bedroom.

"These rooms are formal, but not fussy," says Jeffrey. "The beauty is in the details the ceiling moldings, the crowned architraves, the delicate lines of the furnishings."

Lighter colors, particularly pastel shades, were favored by the Neoclassicists, so Jeffrey felt the style ideally suited his client's vision for the bathroom of this master suite.

"She loves pink, so we began by choosing pink onyx for the bathroom wall panels."

The subtle shadings of the stone, combined with indirect light from the wall and ceiling fixtures, impart a flattering glow to the space. Onyx has a softer pattern than marble, and responds differently to light. Although a delicate surface, it is suitable for use in places where it won't be subject to daily wear and tear. The detailed moldings and rounded motifs that have been carved into the stone panels enhance the translucence of the stone.

The pink onyx reappears on the floor, as an accent band around the mosaic tile panels, which are made with more durable materials.

In keeping with the Gilded Age look, the curved vanity was stained and French-polished. This technique involves applying and buffing many coats of a thinned shellac. Although labor-intensive, the resulting finish is deeper and glossier than those given by more automated methods typically used today.

To complement the bathroom, Jeffrey chose a delicate green shade for the master bedroom.

"It's a timeless combination," he says, "and when accents of darker wood and creamy white are added to the mix, it's fresh and appealing without being overly sweet."

Story by: Kathleen Kinney

Photography by: Peter Murdoch The Gilded Age Subtle botanical shades define the bedroom of this master suite and