32 SUMMER 2019 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
Inspired By
Haute Couture
The dilemma the Midkiffs faced is
not unusual in a city where many homes
are nearing their 100th anniversary.
While some owners go to great lengths to
retain the character of their homes as they
renovate them, others opt to update
in a more contemporary manner,
sometimes for the look, sometimes
because it’s easier, and sometimes
because it’s more cost-effective.
Shaker Heights also has homes that
remain with a family for decades. This
was one of those homes, with William
and Phyllis Evans purchasing it from
William Harshaw, its second owner, in
1951. William Evans worked for the family
business, Diamond Alkali (later Diamond
Shamrock) and Phyllis contributed her
time to charitable causes, including the
Cleveland Ballet and the Nature Center
at Shaker Lakes (whose original building
was also designed by Norcross). In 2003,
several years after William’s passing and
52 years after purchasing it, Phyllis sold
the home.
Nikki Pulver was familiar with
the 9,000 square-foot home. She had
decorated some of the rooms for the
family that sold the house to the Midkiffs
(the house had four different owners
between 2003 and 2018). After the sale
Sara contacted Nikki to continue her
work. As Nikki explains, “The goal was
a sophisticated, continental style with
a light touch” using inspiration from
couture fashion without being “too
flamboyant or showy.”
This attention to detail and
materials, reflecting back on the home’s
classic character but with a thoroughly
contemporary take, was likewise inspired
by fashion. In a manner similar to the care
a tailor or dressmaker would use to create
a perfectly fitting piece, Nikki orchestrated
local artisans to create the type of finishes
and furnishings that would fit both the
house and the owners.
Opposite:
The dining
room features
a striking art
installation –
a quartz and
selenite angel
wing sculpture
surrounded
by stars.
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