Transitional Tudor Interior designer Amy Schuermann adds a contemporary touch to her historic Hyde Park home Written by Bridget Williams A conundrum faced by fans of historic homes in established neighborhoods is how to marry their ample charm, character, and unique quirks with family life in the 21st century. Interior designer Amy Schuermann, a nearly 20-year veteran in the industry, encountered a similar situation with her own 1920sera home in Hyde Park. I love contemporary, but I had to work within the boundaries set by the Tudor architecture, she explained. As head of a frm that has experienced a 500% growth rate a little more than a year after she struck out on her own, a great many of her new clients come to her seeking guidance in making the transition from traditional to soft contemporary. Tey are looking for simplicity no fussy window treatments and fringe details, said Schuermann. 16 slmag.net
Hanging above the table in the dining room is an oversized drum pendant adorned with circular crystals within a gilt framework. slmag.net 17
Te textured plaster walls and ceiling in the living room are original attributes of the 1920s-era home. Schuermann says this is her favorite room because it represents the harmonious blending of traditional and contemporary that she is known for. Serving as a showplace for her signature style, each room in Schuermann s home presents a unique mix of styles from distinct periods and perspectives. In the family room for instance, an Asian Elm wood spoon chair with an S-curved back splat is positioned near the freplace while a mid-century Bertoia chair sits adjacent to a contemporary sectional. It s fun, for instance, to mix an ornate mirror with a contemporary console, but it not always easy to do well if you don t have the right eye for it, she said. Te family room, open to the kitchen, was added during a renovation project aimed at accommodating casual entertaining and family time. Of the addition Schuermann commented, We always wanted a space like this, but it s often hard to fnd in older homes in Hyde Park. Other signifcant aspects of the renovation included the kitchen and reworking the terrace, including adding a custom wrought iron railing. Both the living and dining rooms retain their original textured plaster fnish on the walls and ceiling. Schuermann kept the color palette consistent and neutral throughout. It helps to maintain a sense of quiet. I let the art and accessories provide pops of color, she said. Adding to the feeling of the serenity in the living room are unadorned creamy white drapery panels. 18 slmag.net
In the family room, an Asian Elm wood spoon chair with an S-curved back splat is positioned near the freplace, while a midcentury Bertoia chair sits adjacent to a contemporary sectional. A graceful Murano-style chandelier illuminates the master bedroom. slmag.net 19
Remaining true to its original footprint, the renovated kitchen is open to the family room. 20 slmag.net
During the renovation the terrace was reworked and a custom wrought iron railing was added. After some deliberation, when pressed to select her favorite room, Schuermann picks the living room for two reasons: it represents the harmonious blending of traditional and contemporary she is known for and it holds a landscape painting she created for the room. An accomplished artist, she has received numerous commissions throughout Greater Cincinnati, including some of her interior design clients after eforts to fnd the perfect piece of art for a particular room came up short. It s great to have that talent as another skill set in my toolbox, she added. Schuermann spent a great deal of time selecting unique lighting fxtures for each room. In the dining room, an oversized drum pendant adorned with circular crystals within a gilt frame provides a touch of glamour. Te gilt and brushed nickel fnish of the fve-arm chandelier in the dining room is, in Amy s words, both traditional and hip. In the master bedroom, an amber-colored Murano-style chandelier provides soft illumination. Guiding all of Schuermann s design decisions throughout was the impetus of trying to make my home livable and updated while maintaining its historic character. sl slmag.net 21