In the 1700s, when a certain Colonial-style house in Radnor was built, its amenities included massive wood posts and abundant charm—but not much closet space. Fast-forward to the 21st century, when the current owners decided it was time for a kitchen and laundry/mudroom that could accommodate a modern family of four. At the top of their wish list: storage, storage and more storage.
To transform the dated spaces, they chose Bryn Mawr-based designer Michelle Gage. She devised a plan that combines meticulous, make-every-inch-count storage with the vivid colors of St. Croix. Cheerful patterned wallpapers amp up the happy vibe. “We wanted it to be functional and fun,” she says.
The kitchen features teal cabinetry, abundant cupboards and drawers, and such custom niceties as an appliance garage and open nooks for cookbooks and plants.
“We wanted the space to be functional and fun.”
—Designer Michelle Gage
The kitchen features teal cabinetry, abundant cupboards and drawers, and such custom niceties as an appliance garage and open nooks for cookbooks and plants. The owners weren’t sure if there was enough room for a dining area, but Gage found a way to provide both an eat-in space and additional storage. “We were able to make the island larger for more storage,” the designer says. “Then, instead of having counter stools there for breakfast, we pivoted to making the eating area larger and more comfortable by the window. Same function, just a better use of space.”
The owners weren’t sure if there was enough room for a dining area, but the designer found a way to provide both an eat-in space and additional storage.
A combined mudroom and laundry offers lots of additional storage, with a full closet, a bank of built-in cupboards and a pantry cabinet painted in the rosy hues of a tropical sunset.
The butler’s pantry is tucked into a quirky niche formed by hand-hewn posts dating back to the home’s roots in the 18th century.
The butler’s pantry is tucked into a quirky niche formed by hand-hewn posts dating back to the home’s roots in the 18th century. Gage packed function and visual impact into a small space, with brilliant green cabinetry, exuberant artisanal wallpaper, a beverage fridge, a counter for drink prep and storage for barware.
A combined mudroom and laundry offers lots of additional storage, with a full closet, a bank of built-in cupboards and a pantry cabinet painted in the rosy hues of a tropical sunset. “Our goal was to make folding laundry fun,” the designer says.
Michelle Gage Interiors
1040 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 772-3361, michellegage.co
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