The Cappon House
The Cappon House
Photo Courtesy of the Cappon House
This Italianate style house was designed and built in 1873 by Dutch immigrant architect Jan
R. Kleyn for Holland's first mayor and tannery owner, Isaac Cappon, and his large family. It
stayed in the Cappon family until 1980. The house which is now a property of the Holland
Historical Trust, Holland Michigan was comprehensively restored in 2000 - 2004 including the
reproduction of original wallpapers, floor coverings and silk upholstery material.
The Dining Room
The Sidewall paper was found in the dining room on sections of the original horse hair plaster
wall. The elegant colors were visible and included three metallics, in copper, silver and gold
which was typical of the opulent style of the period.
Fleur de Lis Medallion
The frieze had no original evidence but extensive research of stylistically similar frieze
papers from the same period helped LMD to develop a historically appropriate design. The
frame-work was created to feature the main motif from the sidewall paper and a secondary
motif was also derived from the original paper. The same colors were used but the lighter
background color was added after the fashion of frieze styles found from the period.
Fleur de Lis Medallion Frieze
Again there was no evidence available for this paper on site but research of archival
wallpapers of the period gave direction for the lay-out and again motives from the original
sidewall wallpaper were adapted and used in the design. The number of colors in the design
were less as was typical of ceiling papers of the time and the ground shade is lighter and
matches the lightest area of the Frieze background.
Fleur de Lis Medallion Ceiling Paper
Dining Room
Photo Courtesy of the Cappon House
This beautiful suite of papers was installed in the Dining Room of the Cappon House where
it can be seen today. This wallpaper design project won the Connecticut ASID Award for
Excellence for Product Design.
The Parlor
Although there was no usable evidence found in the house, then curator Joel Lefever had found
large wallpaper fragments on a gilded background in another house of the same period in the
area. Based on his compilation of evidence from the Cappon House such as small scrapes of
paper showing color preference and gilding and paint color analysis, he felt the bold floral
design fit the taste of the Cappon family.
Parlor Floral
Parlor Floral Frieze
Fragments were found with the sidewall representing the matching frieze as well. As in the
original, the large scale of the densely placed, elegant pastel floral suite of sidewall
and frieze is printed on a gold foil paper which peeks around petals to glitter in
afternoon sun or evening gas-light. This sumptuous paper was an expression of this wealthy
man’s status in this one of the most public rooms of the house.
Parlor
Photo Courtesy of the Cappon House
LMD Wallpapers in the Cappon House, Holland, MI.
Check back for more information on the Cappon Project!