03. Drawing Room
Main Floor
Transcript
The Drawing Room is the largest and most formal space in the house, reserved for special occasions. Designed in the Renaissance Revival style by the renowned Pottier & Stymus Furniture Company of New York City, this room epitomizes 19th-century elegance. Pottier & Stymus, decorators and one of America’s premier furniture makers, crafted interiors for illustrious families, such as the Vanderbilt’s and the Edison’s, and even decorated the famed Treaty Room in the White House—now the President’s private office.
Exclusively commissioned for the Richardson family, the custom furniture set includes six vibrantly upholstered chairs, a love seat, and a settee, as well as four finely crafted wood pieces. Complementing these are matching mirrors, curtain cornices, and other decorative elements that create harmony in the entire space, from the intricate carpet to the detailed ceiling design. At the heart of the room, a central table boasts an elaborate inlaid top fashioned from twenty different kinds of wood.
A striking white marble fireplace mantel serves as both a focal point and a testament to the room’s refined style. Although the home’s fireplaces were functional, by 1890, they were not the sole source of warmth. A steam boiler system was integrated when the south wing was constructed.
Adding to the room’s cultural ambiance is a Knabe & Co. square grand piano, quite similar to the original one beloved by both Naomi and Harriet. The walls, adorned with an extensive collection of American and European art, reflect the family’s wealth, cultural sophistication, and refined taste.
In 1976, the fabric on the upholstered furniture and draperies in both the Reception and Drawing Rooms was meticulously replicated through family contributions and grants, ensuring the preservation of their historical integrity. The carpets, too, were faithfully recreated in 1985, continuing the legacy of this elegant space for future generations. On display here are sections of the original silk upholstery fabric and carpet.