Home D E S I G N
THE
MANHATTAN PROJECT DESIGNER BRUCE KADING BRINGS MINNESOTA MIGHT TO THE BIG APPLE. BY W E N DY L U B OV I C H
Minneapolis interior designer Bruce Kading has put his talents to work on a handsome historic brownstone in the heart of New York City. And after a three-year overhaul, the seven-story jewel is ready for its close-up. “This is surely one of my dream projects,” he notes. “It’s a rare chance to preserve history and tell a story.” The clients also own a home in the Twin Cities as well as properties in Florida and Europe. When they purchased this 1850s row house near Gramercy Park, it was divided up into apartments. Kading and his team completed a full-scale renovation — gutting, preserving and refurbishing the space inside and out — to make it a single-family residence once more. The idea was to create a home that looked layered over time, mixing antiques and period details with modern-day amenities. The living and dining rooms are airy and bright, painted a steely blue green (Sherwin Williams Escape Gray, to be exact). Completed with dark woods and a gilt mirror, the look is elegant and polished. “The dining room is my favorite space,” explains Kading. “It has enough zing to it, but it looks like it’s been there forever.” And while the aesthetic is New York chic, much of the custom furnishings came from Minnesota. The many vintage light fixtures were sourced from Antique Manor and Architectural Antiques, while the handsomely aged oriental rugs were handpicked from Legacy Looms and Woven Arts. And the custom cabinetry and woodwork throughout the home were produced by Tischler Wood of Avon. “I find the craftsmanship is better in Minnesota,” Kading says. “It’s a sensitivity to quality.” Walking from room to room, there is much to admire. A massive brass and glass chandelier dangles down five stories, adding great drama to the seven-story stairway. In the kitchen, an 18th century French fireback adds a European pedigree to the stovetop. The antique mirrored backsplash reflects light around the room with its quatrefoil motif, while the textured tin ceiling above lends a vintage charm. The center island is fitted with a striking pewter top that will gracefully age over time. “The first scratch may shock you,” Kading warns, “but then little by little, it develops the most beautiful patina.”
192
Artful Living
•
Magazine of the North