Bird's-eye view from a saltbox

Family heirlooms, reproductions, primitive fabrics give home authentic Early American flavor

Before the furniture was meticulously placed, the house looked like a candy cane with its rich red interior trim and white walls.

The home's exterior is not fancy, but the interior has been designed and decorated to emphasize Early American life.

Rhonda Kifer of Rhonda Kifer Design Associates in McMurray stands on the balcony that overlooks the spacious family room and kitchen. It was Kifer's idea to use the rich red trim in the hallway, which adds to the home's authenticity.

"I did a lot of research," Kifer said. "I needed a more primitive look to the fabric and texture."

Although Kifer was willing to compromise on some design aspects, she was adamant about the bold use of red, which covers the large wall in the family room and the trim in the hallways and one of the bedrooms.

"I wanted a red shade. I would not have chosen that red, but it's worked out great. It was one of the places I let her have her way," the homeowner noted.

Added Kifer, "Even the painters loved it."

"Based on my training and experience in the field, I can visualize a room or what the color will look like," said Kifer, who had previously worked with the owners on another home. "It was a fun project. I already had a rapport with the family and their needs. I knew their dreams, and their goals."

The compact living room contains a Rumford fireplace and several family heirlooms, including the chairs, which have been reupholstered in fabric typical of Colonial New England.

The trim along the stairs is accompanied by New England-documented stenciling. The stenciling also serves as a border below the moldings in numerous rooms of the house in various patterns and colors.

The top of the stairs also opens to a balcony that overlooks the family room and kitchen and offers a magnificent view of the swimming pool and lush gardens. A quilt with an old Amish pattern and a pine cone swag hang from an exposed brick walls in the hallway.

The master bedroom is on the first floor and has a breathtaking view of the perennial garden, the rose garden and the spring garden. They can be seen through the wall-length Palladian window from the curly maple pencil-post bed made by Keck. The window is dressed in a red and cream toile fabric commonly used in early New England homes.

The master bathroom is spacious, yet offers plenty of privacy. A Jacuzzi spans a wall that is lined with shattered windows. Topping the windows is a blue and cream toile fabric.

All of the entertainment equipment is neatly tucked-and hidden-behind the red wall/cabinet combination in the family room.

Likewise, the kitchen is void of small appliances, which are hidden by the rich cabinetry.

"It was a challenge to hide all of the equipment," Kifer said.