Family Focused in Penn Valley: Home Reveal
A large part of our initial design process is talking to clients about their homes—what’s great and what’s a bit of a bummer—then actively listening to what they say they want, and how they say it. It is remarkable what you can learn from the words people use to describe things.
A family home we recently completed in Penn Valley is a great example of that. The homeowners used words illustrating their preferences for classic, clean, elevated, with nods to subtle texture. Mind you, those were not the words they used but, through years of experience really honing in on what clients say, how they say it and their body language, we received their messages loud and clear. Results below!
Timeless Is A Fashion Statement
When you’re given classic architectural elements and millwork, go with them.
An imperative was to give many of the spaces more natural lighting and flow, which we did, but we love leaning in to a home’s beautiful, original personality. With vision and some well-chosen finishes and furnishings what was once formal becomes a timeless family-friendly space.
Being Prepared Isn’t Just for Camp Outs
Prep space, serving space and abundant seating were non-negotiables.
With small children there’s hardly ever enough space to prep and store anything, especially in the kitchen. Moreover, teens and adults love to gather at the island but that’s not an option for tip-over-prone toddlers. So we made sure our homeowners had all the space they need for the accoutrements of a burgeoning household. We gave them island seating and a breakfast table. With adjacent soft seating and a fireplace, this is truly a family kitchen.
Before we hang up our hand towel, take a look above the sink to the skylights. Along with the windows and multi-panel doors, natural light pours into the room. Additionally, on good weather days, the family literally lives indoors and out.
We added this built-in on the kitchen’s opposite wall to display mementos and store everyday items in beautiful fashion.
High-Def Life Meets Calm Core
If life is lived with the volume turned up, use calming colors and soft surroundings to dim the din.
Here, take a break, take a breath, then jump back into that all-on-go life just as our homeowners do. They asked for easy elegance that is also easy care, and this space delivers on all that and more. Plus, it’s a great spot for the kids to hang out (read and/or play) where mom and dad can keep an eye on them from the kitchen.
The Comfort Stop
No shouting in here. Subtly, texture and a mix of materials makes lingering here a real option.
Throughout the house, a nod to texture, subtly applied, speaks volumes. Such is the case in this cozy main level powder room outfitted with Thibaut wallcovering. The blue vanity complements the darker blue found in the kitchen and even references some of the shades in the family room. Continuity is just the best!
Did we hit all the marks the client requested? Let us know what you think by dropping your ideas in the comments below.
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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!
