Finally. A while in the making, this new build in downtown Philly was set to install last August. But the rules are a little different in this big city. The day had finally arrived. Morgan, our new assistant, and I flew up this past Sunday so we could meet the delivery truck early Monday morning to get this show on the road ! Keith also drove up with a truck full of custom pieces . . . it was wild.
This client wanted color, lots of it. Another big request - pattern and the mix of old and new. She also is a huge wall paper junkie and would have it in every room if we all let her ! A quirky style for sure on this install which made it fun and different. But there were also a few challenges.
This four story build is narrow, shot gun style. You entered street side into a dining and kitchen area. Creating a walkway with a large table was important and my idea was to off set it and place a custom banquet along the wall allowing for a walk through. Style wise I wanted to keep the entire space feeling as big as possible so we continued the Ben Moore Decorator White everywhere, but used pops of color and wall paper to define certain spaces. The color inspiration came from the window treatment, one of my first picks. A large scale floral from Designer's Guild. I further wanted a papered ceiling over top of the dining area to define that space. We mixed in a vintage inspired chandelier with the home owners own large mirror but mixed that with modern counter stools near by and of course a big dose of original art - Mr. Questlove.
Take a look !
I found this gorgeous over dye rug at market last year and it's the yummiest emerald green. Paired with lavender upholstered chairs with a rich velvet red, purple and lavender pattern on the back.
Simple but large vases using the yellow pop color to finish it off. I am a big fan of oversized floral arrangements.
As a surprise, we commissioned Lori Love to do a large art piece. Questlove. The textures and materials in this mixed media are amazing - all CD's, albums, and tape with a glowing resin mixed in. Really amazing and a huge hit !
Its a beauty and it was so warm and sunny last Saturday, the perfect day for a shoot.
The kitchen opens right into the space. All white with copper counter stools. We couldn't get the drop pendants up during our install, sad to say. . . missing a part. Huge bummer but when up they will be amazing !
Just past the kitchen you make your way to the stairwell where I put a bit piece of Lindsay Cowles' paper. It's printed on a grass cloth and has great texture !
Last minute powder room. My client found this paper at the last minute and we managed to get it up in time ! With the door open it certainly makes you pause to wonder just what it is !
She has a collection of old brass mirrors. Though it would be fun to mix them all up in the powder room as oppose to one big mirror . . .
The back family room is big - by city standards. Casual - artsy. I brought the Kelly green from the front of the house back to the new Chesterfield tufted velvet sofa.
I had to have this lamp and Windy O'Connor created a custom piece for this project - Love !
I did consider all the colors so they worked with this killer original Warhol.
Love the brightness and whimsy on the first floor and carrying it upstairs was a must. We started in the eldest daughters room with a Christian La Croix paper and worked off of that.
Isn't this paper the best !
Younger baby sister got a little paper as well.. and a new rocker and rug !
Lastly the master bedroom. Slightly calmer with a new upholstered bed, side tables and lamps with a splash of color on the floor.
After all this . . . a quite moment on the roof top deck and a cocktail.
all photos by Mekenzie Loli
Big thanks to Morgan for all her hard work on this !
Loving having her working with us.
- picture taken at Philly's Magic Garden
Philly finally done ! Happy Weekend.
