New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-26
SOME WEST SIDE HOMES.
OLD-FAsHIONED DWELLINGS THAT HAVE
BEEN REMODELLED IN CHARM
ING STYLE

In no other part Of the city. perhaps has the
decorators art found more satisfactory express
sion than In the remodelling Of the homes OF the
upper West Side. The building OF many new
houses, made effective by all of the improve
ments which the art Of the modern architect
and designer could suggest has stimulated
those who built in years past 10 put forth de-
cided effort 70 bring these older houses up 10
date. The results in most have been ad-
mrable and in some nothing could be
asked for in point OF beauty and comfort In
one home the entire character OF the first floor
changed. The house wRs Of the old high
stoop pattern, with a straight narrow hall and
stairway and the conventional parlor. The
stairway and wall removed. and skful
employment Of modern ideas has resulted in
Italian foyer of ample proportions. Somewhat
similar methods were used in a welknown
West End-ave. home. The woodwork was all
taken out and oak trim OF deep brown color
substituted. The old-time wallpaper was
stripped from the room. and In its place were
added rich tapestries which lend dignity TO the
general effect Of what may be called a typical
Francis hall
The women OF the West Side will probably
never tire Of telling about an old Dutch hall
which is the pride and Joy Of one OF their num-
ber The house into which it has been intro
duced conformed in every way 10 the old-fash-
toned ones. There was a high stoop. leading TO
front door which opened into a narrow hall.
! which in turn led into square parlor Every
thing suggested stiff conventionality and dis
comfort The parlor has disappeared, and in its
stead finds quaint hall with panellings OF
black oak and blue and white tiles In
| corner stands tall cuckoo clock and the big
| open fireplace, with it's dogs and log. suggests
/ he dol p1a
and stems Of various sizes hung. and the
daylight Sits in through circular loaded panes.
| In a number OF houses the European idea Of
| having the drawing room on the second floor
| has been followed. The walls between the first
! and second bedrooms are removed. and at COM
| paratively small cost Louis Seize or Louis
Quinze drawing room is substituted. The
| George c. Flint Company. which has recently
! done considerable remodelling in West Side
| houses has introduced typical Sheraton room
! into home there, after the style OF the
famous eighteenth century cabinetmaker. 1t
| has hand painted silk walls. with trim OF satin
wood. and is a luxurious sample of what can
! be accomplished by skilful decoration. In bed
rooms one Of the most striking IS Of the Adams
| period somewhat resembling the Colonial style.
Richly finished mahogany. painted lavishly in
| floral designs, with sconces and an1irOns Of old
brass add TO the distinction OF this chamber.
In a great many of the older houses the large
space at the top Of the last flight OF stairs has
been utilized with good effect. The popular
/ idea which has been tried with success in sew
eral West Side houses is Moorish alcOve, with
drapings in Bagdads and Indian Dhurries The
walls hung with old Indian arms. and tabou-
rets holding Maradabad wares are placed about,
producing effect Of Oriental luxury.
| One OF the handsOmest dining rooms TO be seen
anywhere in the city has lately been added TO an
Amsterdam-av house The style is old Eng
! lish OF the period Of Charles |. The woodwork
! is Of rough oak stained but unfinished. and the
walls are covered with old brown tapestry.
The windows OF loaded glass. with ar
mortal bearings. There is a stone fireplace.
| with quaint old fre-dogs and the addition OF
| massive armchair3 and carved credences COM
! pletes picture Of substantial and dignifed ele-
! gance.
In the furnishing Of these houses the men
| have not been entirely forgotten. An effective
! smoking-den has been made on the top floor OF
a well-known lawyers house. The windows
were first removed and diamond panes substi-
| tuted. Against a background Of old blue bur-
! lap on the walls. several pipe-sacks and mugs
| have been suspended and a centre table with
six twisted folding legs is well supplied with
| long clay pipes Comfort is suggested by four
! great Governor Hubbard armchairs. and several
| old English hunting scenes on the walls add the
| final note OF color A few straw mats strewn
| about the floor complete the delightful smoking
| room
A room that would crafty the heart OF
| lover Of old tones and vellum is a library in
| Circassian walnut. with huge bookcase on all
sides. each section Of which is separated by
| richly carved caryatides. The decorations are
! in the style Of Henry II. and the great black
marble mantepece is surnounted by the arms
OF the French monarch. The draDeries are OF
dull red sturs embroidered in gold and soft
| light is shed from incandescent lamps in
wrought-iron ball suspended from the centre OF
the ceiling.