Renovation Creates Contemporary Vision for Art and Design Bryn Mawr Home Reveal, Part I

This is a story of what can happen when a confident family reaches a transition in their lives that points them in a different design direction.

We were excited to work with this family as we had previously designed another home for them. In imagining this new-to-them home,  their inspiration photos leaned toward modern farmhouse. But there was a desire to explore more contemporary styling while not losing classic, timeless features. Welcome to the warm, inviting, art-filled contemporary stunner in Bryn Mawr.

The interior and exterior of the home were completely reworked to improve the layout, update the spaces and create an environment that is equal parts cozy family home and art installation, due in large part to the homeowners’ significant art collection. The results are a home that reflects the clients’ aesthetics and is supremely livable for the couple and their children. Shout outs galore to architect, Jeff Krieger, and builder, E.B. Mahoney, for an amazing partnership throughout the entire re-imagining and remodel.

The two-story entry oozes with modern appeal. The glass and wood staircase wows. White walls are the perfect backdrop to showcase some of the original art pieces the homeowners have collected through the years. And everywhere in the house, we chose lighting fixtures that are works of art in their own right.

Party of Two

Dual dining tables are visually connected by a sprawling Regina Andrew chandelier.

Near the center of the home, the dining room boasts twin party-sized round dining tables that encourage interaction and make the space feel more intimate even when a large group gathers. We sourced an expansive chandelier from Regina Andrew that adds cohesion and connection. More art fills the room surrounding guests with warmth and incredible interest. From here, guests can access several other spaces, including the step-down living room.

Welcome to the Light

Natural light fills the new living room thanks to an expansive bank of new windows.

Located at the front of the house, the living room is the first gathering spot in the home so it had to be preeminently welcoming and full of personality. The custom-created oversized rolling ottoman anchors the space. The beautiful view of the outside through the new windows adds another layer of comfort and relaxation.

Everyone has a place on this expansive sectional.

At the end of the entryway is the fireside family room with a generously-sized sectional offering a prime seat for everyone. For easy access to pails of popcorn and loads of lemonade, we opened a large pass-through window that directly connects to the kitchen. While this is so smart for game days, it gives the family room a more intimate feel and allowed us the necessary wall space to place the sectional sofa. Plus, if you’re in the kitchen—we see you designated snack-getter—you are still in full view of what’s happening in the adjacent room. Slam dunk, for sure.

Everyone’s Here

Texture abounds in the kitchen where wood meets marble, steel joins soft seating and much more.

Whether you fancy yourself a chef-in-the-making or you love to watch others spoon up the souffle, this kitchen has a spot for you.

Thick butcher block countertops are soft and warm to the touch for those seated at the island. The bakers in the group will go gaga over the custom marble island sections for their stunning veining and touch of glam. Beyond the island, custom steel sliding doors add to the modern farmhouse feel. Finally, we added table seating to accommodate even more diners.

Cabinetry with custom storage solutions and deep drawers keep everything in place while the chef-style appliances make cooking a pleasure.

Faraway from Workaday

Creativity or calculation, work seems a little easier in comfortable, functional, visually pleasing surroundings.

The couple each needed a separate office. We created custom built-in desks for each of them. Here, in his office, you see a second floating desk that coordinates with the custom millwork. Tons of natural light creates a relaxing vibe as does the easy access to the beautiful backyard.

All in, the renovation, furnishings and fixtures came together to make a modern oasis for a wonderful family.  Soon, we’ll take a look at the second floor and even stroll outside so you can see what we did there!

Are you an unexpected modernist? Let us know what you think about what you’ve seen here. We always enjoy hearing from you.  Until then, stay well and happy.

Want our weekly blog post delivered right to your inbox?  Click here to sign up!

________________________________________

Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!

view all perspectives