Family Ties A designing mother-daughter duo lend a fresh perspective to a historic cottage Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Eric Williams
“I call it her little jewel box,” said interior designer Susan Moloney of Moloney-Smith & Associates of the charming Frederic Morgan cottage she co-renovated and designed in collaboration with her daughter and business associate, Alix Rice. Although there had been significant alterations to the home since it was built in 1932, Rice was drawn to the charming two-bedroom hilltop home for myriad reasons. Before the duo did any further modifications, Moloney searched Morgan’s archives at the University of Louisville’s Bridwell Art Library and was able to locate his original plans for the home. Among her discoveries were that some of the changes, including the removal of the original second floor bathroom to create an open foyer, may have been designed by another local architectural icon, Stratton Hammon. After reviewing the plans, Rice decided to restore the second floor back to its original. “Te idea of such a major renovation – putting a ceiling back in from the inside – made me feel a bit over my head, and so I relied on mother’s expertise,” said Rice. While the two definitely share similar design sensibilities, Rice’s extensive art background, both academic and applied, lends a unique perspective to her home’s continental-style interior, beginning in the foyer, where her eclectic art collection includes pieces from British photographer Dylan Tomas to a drawing from a modern art master. Even after restoring the ceiling, a window above the landing that splits the full run of stairs provides ample natural light.
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