Fishtown Finds: Vibrant + Vintage row Home Update
I’m proud to share a recently completed project: a refresh of a Philadelphia Rowhome in Fishtown. This project reflects our commitment to blending sustainable choices, architectural expertise, and deeply personal design.
We were working with a strong foundation (new-ish construction) but the home lacked personality and character. Our clients wanted to eliminate the pervasive “Millennial Gray” and create vibrant, intentional spaces.
Space Planning the Lower Level
There was a looooong monotonous hallway when you enter the space that lacked storage and personality. The lounge space towards the back also functioned as a make-shift office space so every time the client walked in the home, or spent time unwinding near the back patio, they were faced with their work station.
To tackle these challenges, we created an archway at the end of the hallway to break up the flow of the space. We added a playful wallpaper to the ceiling and bold paint on the walls to make a statement when guests arrive.
We sourced a vintage, mid century modern credenza for the front hall that serves as storage for the resident pups, landing spot for keys, etc. We also replaced the front door with a new iron door and frosted glazing — maximizing daylight while affording privacy. The arch top of the door informed our arch way at the end of the hall. Throughout the rest of the home we used arches and scallops to soften the furnishings, bring in cohesion, and add a playful touch.
We repurposed the original closet to be an office nook, so that at the end of the day our clients can close the door on the office space as a symbolic end to the work day.
We created a new closet closer to the entry hall for coats and shoe storage. We sourced a vintage door to bring character and an focal point to the space. This also carved out a cozier “den” type space in the back for lounge seating.
Entry hall reflected in the mirror of the “new” coat closet door.
The new office nook packs a punch with a bold Thibaut wallpaper. Slide through the images below to see how we reconfigured the closet to accommodate a work station that can be completely closed off when not in use.
Powder Room with a Punch
This is perhaps everyone’s new favorite room in the house. We said goodbye to the builder grade finishes and brought all the personality + fun to this one. Guaranteed to boost even the worst of moods. We used a Type II vinyl which is super durable and easy to clean, so this room will stay looking fresh for a long time
Spaces to Gather
Moving upstairs, the dining area off of the kitchen felt like an afterthought, rather than a celebration of gathering for great food and company. We created a cozy dining banquette with additional storage to complement the existing kitchen cabinets. The patterns + colors worked together to create an inviting, cheerful space for morning coffee or late night chats around the table.
Bringing in sustainable practices where we could, the client sourced these awesome vintage dining chairs and had them reupholstered. They also sourced a custom-made oak dining table locally.
When we initially kicked off discussions, our clients were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to work with their beloved purple sectional. They had spent a lot time researching, looking at samples, and evaluating options prior to working with us. We reassured them that we’d absolutely be able to create a cohesive design around the statement piece. We love incorporating existing pieces into our designs!
A Home That Tells a Story
Every decision for this project was made with longevity in mind — not only in terms of durability, but in the way the spaces would evolve with the family who lives there. It's a home designed for gatherings, everyday rituals, and the quiet moments in between.
We’re grateful to our wonderful clients for trusting us with their vision and to our collaborators who helped bring this project to life. With each project we take on, we see ourselves not only as stewards for the environment, but for our clients’ investments in their homes.
Ready to reimagine your own home? Get in touch with us.