Our Society Hill clients sought Harth’s services following a house fire that destroyed the majority of their four-story, historic rowhome leaving only a study and first floor living room intact. While devastating and inconvenient, the need for remediation provided a timely opportunity to remodel and replace outdated aesthetics and introduce thoughtful improvements throughout the home.
In the kitchen, dark cherry wood cabinets and stainless-steel appliances were replaced with light, bright painted cabinets in fern, a tranquil muted green, paired with crisp white wall and tall storage cabinets. Much needed additional storage was incorporated by extending the cabinets to the ceiling and expanding the cabinetry footprint into the kitchen nook. Gorgeous Fantasy Brown counters, classified as a hard marble for its durability, feature flowing veining in soft, earthy browns, whites, and grays that blend strikingly with the new cabinetry and refinished hardwood floors. Accent display cabinets with glass doors and integrated lighting flank both sides of the kitchen and complement the full-height Fantasy Brown backsplashes and eye-catching custom range hood with oil rubbed bronze exterior. Paneled appliances with elongated pulls provide a seamless, contemporary look to the fresh, new space. Matte black accents via the plumbing fixtures, pendant lights, and cabinetry hardware provide continuity throughout the first floor including the front living room’s new fireplace surround and painted built-ins. Existing windows and French doors at the kitchen nook were replaced with wider and taller units to flood the kitchen and nook at the rear of the home with additional natural light. Dedicated pantry space with a secondary refrigerator/freezer was located in the lower level of the home to accommodate bulk storage.
Among our clients’ goals was to better assimilate the curved first floor stair landing and railing into the home’s new aesthetic. To address this, the existing railing and balusters were replaced with a more Federal style, delicate and refined, and the bottom five steps were extended to the wall for a more impressive appearance. The new railing system, including top rail, balusters, and structural posts, is now code compliant. Throughout the home, attention was given to existing paneling, interior doors, casings, and crown detailing. Existing millwork was salvaged where possible for cost savings and new was introduced as needed or for added interest including two stage door casing and base at key locations. Within the primary bedroom, the stepped ceiling detail was maintained with new one and two stage crown moldings installed.
New features from the home remodel include a zero-threshold shower in the primary bath, increased width of windows and doors in the client’s third floor study, and a commercial grade light box with custom glass installed above the staircase to mimic a skylight. New primary bedroom closet systems were introduced that dramatically increase efficiency of limited space and the lower-level gym area was relocated to increase square footage size and gain ceiling height clearance.
An elegant color palette and rich, sophisticated materials were selected to fit the stately, historic rowhouse. The first-floor powder room now features a rich, moody feel with dark navy painted wainscot paneling, a striking wallpaper with soaring white cranes against a deep navy sky, and polished nickel plumbing fixtures and accessory accents. Light wall tones in the primary bath with soothing dusky blue painted cabinetry and coordinating modeled blue and brown tone onyx wall tile provide a restful, spa-like feel. This exceptional home has been restored and improved with increased functionality and beauty throughout. It will be enjoyed by our clients for many years to come!
