Call it a 21st-century interpretation of a covered porch. West Chester residents Lauren and Jay Stauffer enjoy entertaining friends and family in a space with a soaring tongue-in-groove ceiling, a comfy seating area, a huge dining table, glorious woodland views—and no walls.
Initially, the Stauffers were considering replacing their existing second-floor deck with a small four-seasons room. But Kate Kelly Interiors’ Kate Pechinka wondered if a sunroom was the best fit for these accomplished hosts and nature lovers. “The clients really wanted a space that would allow them to effortlessly enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them,” Pechinka recalls.
“Our covered deck has all the features you’d want in your living room—beautiful light fixtures, cedar ceilings, cozy furniture and a dining space.”
The concept developed into a two-story addition that includes the multiseason covered porch on the second story and a sumptuous guest suite below. Double the size of the deck it replaced, the covered porch is outfitted with built-in heating units so the space can be enjoyed in cooler months. A staircase provides direct access to the driveway.
In the spa-like primary bath, a freestanding tub, millwork and light fixtures offer sophisticated silhouettes.
“Our covered deck has all the features you’d want in your living room—beautiful light fixtures, cedar ceilings, cozy furniture and a dining space,” Lauren says.
The sitting room is intended to be informal and welcoming, with a tight-back sofa that maintains a neat appearance and leather chairs that will soften with use and time.
The sitting room is intended to be informal and welcoming, with a tight-back sofa that maintains a neat appearance and leather chairs that will soften with use and time. “This particular space retains its own unique identity within the home, while not feeling off limits,” Pechinka says.
The project also includes a mudroom with abundant storage.
In the spa-like primary bath, a freestanding tub, millwork and light fixtures offer sophisticated silhouettes. With their weight and scale, Carrara marble tile and oversized stone floors provide a grounding effect. The project also includes a mudroom with abundant storage and updates to the kids’ bedrooms. Throughout the house, the vibe is relaxed and refreshed—an artful blend of beauty and function designed to evolve with a growing family.
“Kate was keen to provide us with a design to go along with the stages of life we’ve been in—spaces that can feel elegant, beautiful and comfortable,” Lauren says.
Kate Kelly Interiors
(484) 543-8853
