Light from the atrium filters into the dining room, where chairs covered in Scalamandré silk surround a Rococo-style table from Phyllis Morris. Crystal chandeliers enhance the room's natural light.

A MAJESTIC MANOR COMMANDS ATTENTION WITH ITS CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE
Cheryl Swinney

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Swinney completed the office space and, subsequently, the couple's home. After buying the Nelson property, they again retained her services even though she had relocated to Florida. For this project, Swinney partnered with architect William H. Prelogar Jr., who designed the interior architectural elements.

"The Nelson mansion is such an excellent example of Italianate style that we didn't want to do anything to detract from its rich historical references," Prelogar says. "Our role involved strengthening the expression of details that were part of the original construction."

Swinney and Prelogar's challenge was to preserve the historical integrity of the home without treating it like a museum. "It was paramount that the owners and their guests feel at home here, so we worked hard to achieve a balance of elegance and relaxed styling," Swinney says.

The project required minor renovations in some areas and major improvements in others, such as in the dining room. Here, the ceiling was refurbished with gold-leaf appliqués and hand-painted canvas panels. continued...

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