Period Home is a mix of Restorations, Renovations and Alterations
The perfect home for entertaining, both then and now! Located in the heart of the Historic Montrose section of South Orange, this exquisite residence, originally built in 1912, was featured in the 1927 edition of The American Architect and showcased in Architectural Digest in 2015 for its exceptional interior design. Celebrated for its timeless early 20th-century architectural style, this home seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Clawson Architects has been commissioned for a meticulous kitchen renovation and home restoration, preserving its historical integrity while adding modern amenities for contemporary living.
Clawson Architects was enlisted for the restoration of a historic marble floor in the foyer of this home, originally installed in the early 1920s. The project involved sourcing a precise match for the marble tiles that had cracked over time and replacing the underlying structure to prevent future damage. This historic floor restoration not only preserved the beauty of the original design but also ensured the longevity of this stunning feature, blending timeless elegance with modern craftsmanship.
Historical Photograph
Existing marble had been carefully removed and stored for re-installation. Where required, the “match” was inserted to recreate the most authentic restoration possible.
Post demolition— the existing floor was removed and stored for reuse.. The existing structure was completely removed to make room for a more structurally sound one.
New Structure, designed by KSI engineers was designed to support the historic marble floor tiles. New tiles were sourced to match the existing ones that had cracked over the years.
Renovated Mudroom included replacing the existing door and windows over the bench with historically correct ones to match the existing. The Existing windows were restored and re- installed. New benches with integrated storage for shoes, boots along with large hooks create a useful drop zone. A full size walk in closet not pictured for out of season jackets and the dog food.
Existing mudroom showing the original door and storage.
Existing mudroom showing the windows that were replaced and the location of the new bench and storage.
Existing mudroom showing the existing window that was restored and served as proto type for the windows over the bench.
Newly renovated kitchen with cabinets by Woodharbor for Clawson Cabinets, LLC. Cabinet are flush inset in both painted maple and walnut. Reeded glass adds an authentic period style and a touch of glamor.
The newly renovated kitchen seamlessly integrates with the newly updated Butler’s pantry, creating an open, luxurious space perfect for entertaining. This high-end kitchen renovation annexed a breakfast room and laundry room, transforming the layout into an expansive, modern cooking and dining area. The laundry was relocated to the second floor for added convenience. The custom walnut cabinets and luxury appliances elevate the design, while the large kitchen island offers ample space for casual dining. A cozy window seat provides the perfect spot to sip tea and enjoy the breathtaking views of the beautifully landscaped grounds.
The new kitchen layout design prioritizes functionality by keeping the chef in a dedicated safe zone, free from unwanted foot traffic. With a streamlined flow, the path from the dining room to the sink and dishwasher, one in the main kitchen and the other located in the butler’s pantry area, it is a direct and efficient route. This layout enhances kitchen workflow, improving overall kitchen efficiency and organization. By annexing the existing breakfast room and adjacent laundry a larger more modern entertaining style kitchen was created while maintaining the historical feel of the home. Fixtures, finishes and appliances selected by Alicja Crosby Interiors. Cabinets are Woodharbor Custom Signature Line for Clawson Cabinets, LLC
Before image shows the stone fireplace with access to the mudroom on both sides. allowing traffic to flow through two primary work areas.
The new layout ensures the chef is in a designated safe zone, free from unwanted foot traffic. The path from the dining room to the sink and dishwasher, located in both the pantry area, as well as the kitchen, are direct and unobstructed.
The breakfast room and adjacent laundry room were removed to create a larger entertaining style kitchen.
Stem ware displayed in cabinets with glass doors and and Top Shelf selections displayed on 2” thick open walnut shelves.
The new Butler’s Pantry features Woodharbor Signature Custom Cabinets by Clawson Cabinets in a custom color.
Before image
Before image
Before image
Before image
Brass sink and integrated dishwasher create a sleek look to this thoughtful Butler’s Pantry/Wet Bar. The existing windows were restored. Cabinets are Woodharbor Signature line for Clawson Cabinets. Custom color fixtures and finishes selected by Alicja Crosby Interiors.
Completed Project images by Aimee Ryan Photography