(Photo: Thomas Loof)

The Light Fixture
An 1880 alabaster English piece with nickel-plated bronze.

The Fireplace Mantel
Like every restored fireplace in the house, this was salvaged from a townhouse in Harlem. The owners had a carpenter extend the slightly fluted columns to take advantage of the ceiling height, which was raised from eight feet to twelve. (“We found the additional height when we opened the ceiling to install the sound system,” says Ventra.)

The Mirrored Bureaus
Vintage forties American, with ball feet.

The Art
The black-and-white photographs are by Christopher Makos, who had a show in the house over Christmas.

The Colors
The wall paint is by Ralph Lauren and is called Washboard gray. Throughout the house the color scheme is “black, gray, and white with pops of turquoise,” says Ventra, but the bedroom takes on a slightly more restrained tone—i.e., no turquoise.

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• Table of Contents: Mar 7, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!