National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
McKim also provided a short description of each room to be furnished, as well as the following
guidelines:
It is understood that Mr. White is to exercise his own judgment in making the
various purchases, which, however, are to conform, as far as possible, to the
selection of such furniture, hangings, floor rugs, mantels and objects of a decorative
character, in wood, metal, stone or marble, of Italian workmanship, as may, in his
judgment, be appropriate for use in your house.
While, necessarily, the nature of his purchases will be largely dependent upon the
condition of the market in such things, we have suggested to Mr. White your wish,
and it will be his aim, to expend a considerable proportion of the money upon such
objects possessing interest and character, but not necessarily representing intrinsic
cost, the remainder to be applied to the purchase of certain more important pieces,
on which the interior of your house will depend for its chief adornment.
It is further understood that none of the money shall be applied to the purchase of
tapestries, mural or otherwise . . .
Draperies
Curtains and portieres in velvet or damask, to conform to the treatment indicated in the
living room, hall, approach to staircase, lobbies leading to living room, and dining room.
If material is used in the dining room, it is desired that it shall be green.
Miscellaneous
Any Antique of finely wrought designs in metal work, such as fire-irons, candelabra,
standing lamps, etc.
Large hanging lantern of the Genoese sort, to be hung in the portico on the front door.
Metal wall lights; wrought iron, bronze or brass mountings; such as a handsome door
knocker for the vestibule, etc. etc.
Jardinières - Stone or marble, for hall; as well as porticos.
Interesting screen of leather or silk. 491
It is evident that McKim had very definite ideas of how he envisioned the interiors of
Hyde Park, despite the fact that White did the majority of the interior decoration at McKim,
Mead & White. Charles McKim's work focused more on institutional architecture including
such noted projects as Columbia University, the Boston Public Library, and the University Club,
although he had a long list of residential commissions as well. In contrast to Stanford White,
McKim did relatively few domestic interiors. White's interior decoration is distinguished by the
rich layering of decorative motifs, materials, furniture, and objects. McKim's work leans more
toward a classical elegance where fewer decorative motifs make stronger statements and are
governed by the strength of the architectural elements.
Stanford White's role as an antique dealer and not a decorator in this commission is
noteworthy. McKim's letter at once gives White very strict boundaries for his purchases, but
also great freedom in using his judgment and in making choices. He recommended objects of
"Italian workmanship," underscoring the mood of the American Renaissance, but also added
that White should exercise his judgment in selecting what was "appropriate." White had the
491 Letter, MMW to Frederick W. Vanderbilt (FWV) September 17, 1897, SW Papers, Box 19:2.
99