30 SUMMER 2019 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
A house in this location, for that
cost (over $730,000 today),
would boast numerous decorative
elements often seen in homes of that period.
Those seemingly irreplaceable details are an
important part of what often distinguishes a
Shaker Heights home. This sense of character
was not just a sign of the period, but was
effectively ensured by the requirements of The
Van Sweringen Company.
Time can take its toll on a house in
many ways, sometimes due to the elements
and neglect, but also the whims of trends
and fashions. When the Midkiffs purchased
the house, they discovered that one of the
renovations had done away with the features
commonly seen in a house of this pedigree:
no custom plasterwork, interesting wall
coverings, or decorative fixtures – subtle
details that add character to a home.
Fortunately, local designer Nikki Pulver was
engaged to reimagine the home by pulling
inspiration from the past, the present, and
the homeowners themselves.
A supersized custom-made
flower motif runs the length of
the living room ceiling (above
and opposite). Each piece
was cast separately and then
applied by plaster workers.
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