The owners of a 1915 colonial in Ardmore loved the considerable charm of their three-story home—if only the smallish kitchen and utilitarian bathrooms weren’t remnants of a long-ago era. After years of cosmetic upgrades, it was time to bring them into the 21st century. The couple hired Bryn Mawr’s Gardner/Fox Associates to design and build a luxurious primary bath and a large, open kitchen. “The owners have three children,” notes interior designer Ainsley Stewart. “It was important for them to have a kitchen that functions for everyday use and also works well for entertaining.”
“The owners have three children. It was important for them to have a kitchen that functions for everyday use and also works well for entertaining.”
—Interior designer Ainsley Stewart
The butler’s pantry is dramatic and sophisticated, from the mosaic floors to the ceiling covered with Schumacher Black Snakeskin wallpaper.”
With help from fellow designer Jane Brinks, Stewart blended time-honored materials like wood beams sourced from Lancaster County, Carrara marble and brass with crisp, white cabinetry and wood floors installed in a herringbone pattern. The hood over a professional-style range features flared sides and furniture-like detailing. A large center island has no sink or cooktop. “It’s an extra dining table—a big prep space,” Stewart says.
Centrally located between the kitchen and dining room, the butler’s pantry is dramatic and sophisticated, from the mosaic floors to the ceiling covered with Schumacher black snakeskin wallpaper. The bar sink, faucet, drawer pulls and overhead light fixture are all a rich brass. Cabinets shimmer with a black lacquer from Fine Paints of Europe. “It’s super shiny—you can see your reflection in it,” Stewart says. “Black and gold is the best combination for that formal look.”
Though fully updates, the first-floor powder room retains the look and vibe befitting a century-old home.
Collaboration with architect Pierson Fox resulted in personalized features like the primary suite’s mini-fridge and a coffee bar with running water. A glass-framed marble shower features a floating bench, polished nickel faucets and a niche with shelves.
The exceptional level of detail extends to the rest of the project, which includes a large addition, a stone-covered porch and an upscale basement bar. Though fully updated, the first-floor powder room retains the look and vibe befitting a century-old home. “The white sink and milk-glass sconces feel like something you’d find in the 1920s,” Stewart says.
Gardner/Fox Associates
919 Glenbrook Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-8305
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