The international significance of 78 Derngate’s design has been highlighted this week as a cover story in The New York Times’ twice yearly Design Section.
Jayne Design Studio of New York recently completed work on a Long Island guesthouse for clients Betsy and Bryan H. Lawrence. The ‘Narnia House’ features a kitchen inspired by the one from 78 Derngate. The distinctive ‘Neptune Green’ painted dresser in the Northampton house has been recreated and stands within a luxurious American counterpart that features the same colour throughout.
Decorator William Cullum who worked on the scheme referenced his visit to 78 Derngate in 2014 with The Victorian Society of America Summer School. The “Narnia-Inspired” property has been remodelled throughout to exacting standards and is an eclectic mix of influences from around the world. A predominantly Arts & Crafts look is mixed with strong contemporary elements to create a series of memorable room settings.
Ms. Lawrence, a psychologist and artist who serves as president of the New York School of the Arts mentions one of her inspirations for the home as being C.S Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. “To me, it’s enchanted”, “It was an ugly duckling, transformed into a beauty,” she said.
The article can be accessed via The NYT website