Grand tudor renovation: a grounded approach to manhattan style
A dramatic transformation has unfolded at a historic 1929 Tudor in Rye, New York, where designer Jessica Gersten masterfully blended period charm with contemporary flair. The result? A residence that feels both deeply rooted in its past and vibrantly alive with modern elegance.
Balancing history and modernity
Gersten’s brief was deceptively simple: “Grounded.” She sought to preserve the home’s substantial weight and inherent character—a legacy of nearly a century—while creating a space that felt welcoming and inviting, not intimidating. The renovations prioritized functionality alongside beauty, catering to a family’s active lifestyle and entertaining needs.
From the striking travertine suspension light above the seating area – doubling as a sculptural element – to the bold Art Deco chairs upholstered in a graphic Dedar fabric and the warm tones of stoneware vessels by Colin Pearson and Alan Wallwork, every detail contributes to a carefully considered composition. Twin benches from 212 Renovations provide seamless transitions between the interior and the family’s outdoor rink, a testament to the project’s commitment to effortless flow.
A first impression that speaks volumes
The foyer, Gersten describes as “a single, restrained move,” immediately establishes the tone. A handcrafted table by Vasco Fragoso Mendes, paired with a vintage Belgian stool and a substantial stoneware vessel, sets the stage for the entire home. “It establishes the terms, the material, the scale, the sensibility,” Gersten explains. “Everything that follows is in some conversation with that first impression.”
The living room presents a compelling contrast – a deliberate tension between the house’s historic timbers and the contemporary lounge chairs and mosaic side table. “That room holds the most unresolved tension, which I think is also where it’s most interesting,” Gersten notes. It’s a calculated juxtaposition that avoids compromise and instead celebrates the home's layered history.
Details that define the soul
The dining room, “the room where the house is most itself,” showcases preserved decorative ceilings and scenic wallpaper by Ananbo, alongside a vintage camera obscura photograph by Richard Learoyd and a set of Crina dining chairs from Gersten’s Lusitano collection. The incorporation of handcrafted objects, like Freeforms NYC ceramics and pieces from her own furniture line, injects a palpable sense of soul into the space – a distinct “vibration” that’s undeniably captivating.
Key pieces & sources
Kathy Kuo Home Paxton Arm Chair – $1,599 at kathykuohome.com
GreenRow Lennie Patchwork Quilt – $399 at greenrow.com
Julie Neill for Visual Comfort & Co. Eleanor 47” Chandelier – $4,899 at visualcomfort.com
Swivel Vanity Stool – $349 at West Elm
Alder & Ore Keswick Side Table – Now 25% Off $328 ($246) at Lumens
Pottery Barn Natural Bulb Vase – Now 51% Off $79 ($39) at Pottery Barn
A touch of history, a modern result
Gersten’s approach, prioritizing a blend of handcrafted and contemporary elements, resulted in a home that’s both historically resonant and remarkably modern. The final touches – the carefully selected accessories – were undeniably crucial to bringing this vision to life, imbuing the residence with a distinctive character and undeniable warmth.