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Lovely, Dark, and Deep: An 1800s Victorian House in Nebraska, Restored Down to the Doorknobs

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Lovely, Dark, and Deep: An 1800s Victorian House in Nebraska, Restored Down to the Doorknobs

October 30, 2023

Lately I’ve been admiring the truly old-world interiors by Brooklyn-based firm Ridge House: Their projects are what I imagine spaces might have looked like a century and a half back, not with a kitchen but with a scullery, where the inhabitants would carry a candle to bed—and perhaps have a brass bed warmer to heat the covers before getting in.

Today, we’re taking a look at their dark-hued Cameron Residence project, a late Victorian, Queen Anne-style house in Omaha, Nebraska, that dates to 1895.

“Ridge House projects are largely inspired by context, meant to tell the story of a given site,” says architect and designer Lauren Lochry, who, with Jeff Gillway, is co-principal of Ridge House. “For this house, the neo-Gothic architectural language leant a dramatic atmosphere—and a romanticism of when the interior was once shadowy light, before electricity.”

The house was purchased by Jeff himself, who, Lauren says, “grew up as a sixth-generation Nebraskan.” Before they began work, the pair dug deep into the house’s history to better understand how to preserve it. “The architect was Joseph Dietrick of the Omaha firm Dietrick and Guth,” explains Lauren. “Based on our research, this home and the house next door were originally built for a pioneer in the meatpacking industry in Nebraska”: Daniel Cameron, a businessman and inventor. “This neighborhood once held the Nebraska cattle yards, where a majority of the nation’s beef was managed.”

With an understanding of the backstory, Jeff and Lauren set about “taking part in the historic preservation process while simultaneously introducing contemporary interventions,” as they say. In order to make the project feasible financially, the duo also parceled the three-story house into three separate apartments. “This has allowed us to share the story and charm of this place with others,” says Lauren. “We feel strongly about preservation as a means to protect for future generations,” and as a method of sustainability, too.

And preserved it they did—from the dark, detailed moulding in every room, literally down to the hardware. Only one doorknob was sourced from salvage—the rest are the original brass fittings from the 1890s, painstakingly restored. “The hardware original to the home includes doorbells, knobs, rosettes, keyhole plates, mortise locks, latches, pulls,” says Lauren. “Many had been painted over with a thickness that alluded to a 130 year span. We went through a rigorous process of removing each piece, heating in a crockpot, then scrubbing with a stiff nylon bristle brush. Revealing the intricacy of each piece was a highlight for us. The detail is very impressive, and even the relatively unseen backs of items featured ornate decorative motifs.”

The same could be said of the finished project itself: old-world, exquisitely detailed, and restored with an impeccable hand in every corner. Join us for a look.

Photography by Sara Smith Photography, courtesy of Ridge House.

the interiors are defined by their dark, moody palette. &#8\2\20;although a 17
Above: The interiors are defined by their dark, moody palette. “Although abstract, we referenced the period of Romanticism in art and painting when selecting the specific paint colors,” Lauren says. “We specified dark colors traditionally used to relay concepts of the sublime and imagination in Romanticism landscape painting. It felt bold to use a truly immersive moody scheme for this project, but the effect is tranquil and sophisticated.”

The Akari VB-13C from the Akari Light Sculptures by Noguchi hangs in the main stairway. “We purchased this piece in the Noguchi Museum, one of our favorite places in New York,” adds Lauren. “We were particularly drawn to the oddity and asymmetry of this shape.”

the living room is painted in limestone by sherwin williams and features sculpt 18
Above: The living room is painted in Limestone by Sherwin Williams and features sculptural seating from a surprising source: Craigslist (“$20 for everything!” Lauren says, including the coffee table). “The seller said that they were found in the 1980s and made by a European architect. We discovered a signature on the base of the table that says ‘Rainer.’ If there is any chance that they are by the architect Roland Rainer, we would be elated.”

“Lantern light fixtures became a recurring element within this project,” adds Lauren; their “minimalism, delicacy, and brightness was an important singular move to balance the darker overall atmosphere. The rounded forms also complement the circular ceiling medallion, which were original to the house for gas lighting and hide the abandoned gas lines that remain in the walls. This was before the invention of modern wall switches,” she adds. “Therefore, all lights in the house had to be switched on and off at the source. We kept this detail with original switches when possible to engage visitors in this history.”

The fireplace is an “ornate Queen Anne style Neo-Gothic mantle,” says Lauren, also original. “It is hand-carved wood with an ebonized black stain. This piece was a restoration effort for us. We regrouted the original tiles that were imported from Italy and matched the original stain for touch-ups where needed.”

&#8\2\20;there is original neo gothic carpentry throughout the home,&#8 19
Above: “There is original Neo-Gothic carpentry throughout the home,” says Lauren. “We restored the woodwork throughout, matching the existing stain. The artistry in the process was matching the historic profiles of the trim in areas that where missing or damaged.”

“Each door, passageway, and window has custom millwork with matching ornamental framing motifs,” says Lauren. The doors also feature framed transom windows that can be opened and closed with brass fixtures.” Of special note are the pocket doors, “one of which is a single 8-foot-wide door. The large counterweight in the wall allows the door to easily open with one finger. The original door pull and lock are mortised into the jamb and operate with the push of a button. It feels poetic as to the amount of time that must have been attributed to the woodworking here.”

the dark hued dining area. on a pedestal is &#8\2\20;an unfinished willow b 20
Above: The dark-hued dining area. On a pedestal is “an unfinished willow basket with woven branches and straw, found at an estate in rural Nebraska,” says Lauren. “We decided to keep it unfinished as we were drawn to the sculptural form and wispy materiality.”
an original built in cabinet with papered back holds ceramics. 21
Above: An original built-in cabinet with papered back holds ceramics.

The dining room is painted in Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams. “The original carpentry is largely dominant in the space,” says Lauren. “The redwood has cool/dark color properties, which we complemented and contrasted with paints that are similarly dark in value and differently warm in hue. This allows the woodwork to be harmonious within the overall space but also distinct.”

into the kitchen. 22
Above: Into the kitchen.
the cookspace has a stone hearth and original doors and is painted in sherwin w 23
Above: The cookspace has a stone hearth and original doors and is painted in Sherwin Williams’ Alloy.
a breakfast table beneath a sculptural light fixture. 24
Above: A breakfast table beneath a sculptural light fixture.
&#8\2\20;the butler’s pantry—including the small sink, dual f 25
Above: “The butler’s pantry—including the small sink, dual faucets, and marble—is original,” says Lauren. “This room and the overall layout of the home are indicative of the 19th-century construction. The house was oriented to distance the working staff and utilities from the household by separate quarters and stairwells. This pantry designates the side entry, originally meant for the staff to greet deliveries and immediately wash vegetables from the garden. We redesigned the area as a place to display glassware and serve or prepare drinks.”

The reimagined butler’s pantry is painted in Downing Stone by Sherwin Williams, and “the sconce fixture was purchased from a local homeowner, made [using] raku, a Japanese ceramic technique,” says Lauren.

&#8\2\20;the stove is designed to look antique but is a standard electric r 26
Above: “The stove is designed to look antique but is a standard electric range,” Lauren says. “A previous owner had installed the stove along with a refrigerator designed by the same manufacturer, Elmira Stoveworks. Elmira is very thorough in their replications.”
in a bedroom, another paper lantern accentuates the high ceilings. 27
Above: In a bedroom, another paper lantern accentuates the high ceilings.
pillowy white bedding contrasts with the moody walls. 28
Above: Pillowy white bedding contrasts with the moody walls.

Above: The ornate multi-door entryway. “The brass hardware is original to the 1890s construction,” says Lauren. “We did source one door knob from a local architectural salvage, Conner’s Architectural Antiques” in Lincoln. “Our research shows that the majority of the pieces were manufactured by Eastlake and Nassau. The entire first floor, where we assume the original owners entertained guests, had all solid brass door knobs, while the upper two floors had black porcelain knobs.”

two old world rocking chairs on the porch. and the moody palette continues outs 31
Above: Two old-world rocking chairs on the porch. And the moody palette continues outside: The exterior is painted in Meadow Trail and Moss Rose, both by Sherwin Williams.

For more on the Cameron Residence, head to Ridge House.

And for more interiors with dark but serene color palettes, peruse:

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Ridge House Cameron Residence in Nebraska?

The Ridge House Cameron Residence is a modern and spacious house located in Nebraska, USA. It was designed by the architecture firm, The Raleigh Architecture Company, and completed in 2016.

What is the design philosophy of The Raleigh Architecture Company?

The Raleigh Architecture Company focuses on creating buildings that are well-crafted, timeless, and connected to their surroundings. They often incorporate sustainable materials and methods into their designs.

What is the size of the Ridge House Cameron Residence?

The Ridge House Cameron Residence is 4,000 square feet, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is situated on a large, open lot.

What are some notable features of the Ridge House Cameron Residence?

The Ridge House Cameron Residence has several notable features, including a large, open living area with an exposed wood ceiling, a cozy fireplace, and expansive windows that provide views of the surrounding countryside. The house also features a spacious kitchen with high-end appliances, a large island, and plenty of storage. The bedrooms are located on the second floor, and each one has its own private balcony.

What kind of materials were used in the construction of the Ridge House Cameron Residence?

The Ridge House Cameron Residence was constructed using a mix of sustainable and long-lasting materials, including reclaimed wood, Cor-Ten steel, and floor-to-ceiling glass. These materials were chosen to create a timeless and durable home that blends in with the natural surroundings.

What is the inspiration behind the design of the Ridge House Cameron Residence?

The Ridge House Cameron Residence draws inspiration from the client's love of modern architecture and their desire for a home that blends in with the surrounding landscape. The architects sought to create a design that was both functional and beautiful, and that would take advantage of the views and natural light.

Product summary  

ridge house cameron residence stairway
Akari Light Sculptures

Akari VB-13C

$350.00 USD from Akari Light Sculptures

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