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The president's house at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—designed by architect Edward T. Potter in 1868—was renovated after decades of neglect.
Before
The entrance hall was drab.
After
Interior designer Barbara Eberlein chose a patterned wallcovering for the space. A circa 1902 oil by Picasso hangs over the cabinet.
Before
The entrance hall also lacked definition.
After
James R. Keller, of Vitetta, who spearheaded the renovation, added a column to delineate the space.
Before
Tired surfaces characterized the living room.
After
"The deep red wallcovering makes the room glow," notes Keller. The color prints, from 1974, are by Andy Warhol.
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Lehigh University president Gregory Farrington and his wife, Jean (right), supported the restoration and use the house frequently for official university functions.
After
A wallcovering, fresh paint and wall lights renew the space. Albany Charles Wallis , 1774, is by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
Before
"The dining room was dreary."
After
Refinishing floors and painting the shelves gray blue "created a cozier feeling," Keller says.
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Before
"The wood shelves in the library were too dark."
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For a third-floor guest bedroom tucked beneath the roof, says Keller, "we wanted to celebrate the architecture of the room and let the furniture recede."