One-of-a-Kind Historic Philadelphia Kitchen

Another successful collaboration with kitchen designer David Stimmel made the pages of Signature Kitchens & Baths Winter 2013 edition (page 34). The existing 300-year-old kitchen was decidedly dark and dreary. Custom coffers and multistage crown molding add drama and host lighting that illuminates intricate details overhead and below. Creamy white cabinetry and white Carrera marble project even more light. A track and rolling ladder provides access to cabinetry that reaches the 12′ ceiling height.

Historic Home Addition – Why It Works

The new homeowner wanted 21st century functionality from a circa 1893 Horace Trumbauer designed Shingle Style Victorian.

View of Existing Home Before Renovation

The architect kept true to the home’s original architecture to seamlessly blend the old (pictured above) with the new  (pictured below).

Here’s why it works: Stone masonry is used at the ground level, while stick frame walls are used above. The existing roof pitch, soffit overhang, window headers, the wall flare at the second floor, siding and roofing, etcetera are carried through to blend the new and old masonry.

A new attached 2-car garage was added and a new driveway approach was designed in order to reclaim much of the front yard. The garage doors were turned away from the street elevation and new windows consistent with the rest of the house disguise the 21st century function behind them.

The architect’s restoration and modernization plan included renovating the kitchen and attaching a breakfast area and small family den along with an attached two-car garage, mudroom, and pantry. On the second floor, an additional bedroom allows the entire family to reside on the same level. New heating and cooling systems and the restoration or historically accurate replacement of all interior and exterior finishes and fixtures completed the homeowner’s objectives. The result is a dramatic, classic yet modern home.

Shedding Light on a Renovation Plan

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Sometimes it’s tricky to imagine what the architect envisions, so we occasionally produce snapshot-like renderings of what the finished space will look like. In this case, the renovation plan includes an addition with outdoor lighting and other site amenities. The renderings show how the lights will illuminate the nighttime landscape in a way that’s just – well – enlightening.

Main Line Homes Previewed in Wall Street Journal

Opened up the Wall Street Journal this morning to find the Preview supplement by Caldwell Banker. No big deal right?

Until you turn to page 62. Bam! A classic Malvern home renovated by … Gardner/Fox!

More beauties on the next pages. It’s a great article really. The writer interviewed our resident expert – architect Alex Rice. He gives specific advice for updating a historic home.

Click on any of the images above and it will take you to the online version of the booklet. And if you have any specific questions about a historic renovation, give us a call. 610-525-8305

Happy Friday!

Things We Like: houzz.com

The free site Houzz.com is the online equivalent of clipping pictures from magazines. You can browse more than 170,000 images submitted by interior decorators, architects, and design-minded users (filter by space, style, and more), then save them in your virtual idea book. The quality of images and projects will blow you away. If you’re thinking about a renovation, start collecting images now. There’s even a smart phone app so you can add images to your IdeaBook on the go.

We’ve just begun to upload our own project photos. Maybe you’ll find something to inspire? http://www.houzz.com/pro/gardnerfox/gardnerfox-associates-inc