My Houzz: An Architect’s 1901 Home in Pennsylvania
An abundance of bedrooms, vintage finds and quirky touches make a gem of a home invitingly livable for a family of five
Colleen Brett
May 21, 2012
"Home renovations are like childbirth — really painful but quickly forgotten, overshadowed by the joy of the finished product," says architect Lenore Davies of Pripstein + Davies.
After looking at nearly 50 houses, Lenore and Marc Davies finally found what they were searching for: a 1901 gem in their dream location in Pennsylvania, surrounded by a diverse community. As an architect, Lenore found the elegant bones of the house and its potential as the ultimate draw. Ten years later, the Davies have filled their home with vintage finds, modern colors and smart, ecofriendly details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lenore and Marc Davies and their 3 sons
Location: Wyncote, Pennsylvania
Size: 4,500 square feet; 7 bedrooms, 3 baths
That's interesting: Lenore plans to install a large wooden ski lift piece as a porch swing.
After looking at nearly 50 houses, Lenore and Marc Davies finally found what they were searching for: a 1901 gem in their dream location in Pennsylvania, surrounded by a diverse community. As an architect, Lenore found the elegant bones of the house and its potential as the ultimate draw. Ten years later, the Davies have filled their home with vintage finds, modern colors and smart, ecofriendly details.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Lenore and Marc Davies and their 3 sons
Location: Wyncote, Pennsylvania
Size: 4,500 square feet; 7 bedrooms, 3 baths
That's interesting: Lenore plans to install a large wooden ski lift piece as a porch swing.
Approached from the driveway, the Davies' home is almost hidden behind a grove of massive, ancient trees. Lush gardens surround the property, and the entire place begs for passersby to explore and meet the creative family behind it.
The front porch is full of unexpected charm, foreshadowing the balance of traditionalism and playfulness inside. The benches are original to the house, but Lenore painted them a cheerful yellow. A Moravian star makes a decorative front porch light, offset by the Wissahickon schist that frames the doorway.
Bench paint: Hugs & Kisses, Benjamin Moore; front door paint: Painted Fir, F&H; trim paint: Louisburg Green, Benjamin Moore
Bench paint: Hugs & Kisses, Benjamin Moore; front door paint: Painted Fir, F&H; trim paint: Louisburg Green, Benjamin Moore
Having lived in California for a number of years, Lenore sees outside space as an extension of the home. Just down the back steps of the wraparound porch is a small slate patio with green Adirondack chairs surrounding a small table — perfect for enjoying sunny afternoons.
Throw pillows: Pottery Barn, L.L.Bean, Plow & Hearth; chair: Hodnebo; wicker furniture: Target
Throw pillows: Pottery Barn, L.L.Bean, Plow & Hearth; chair: Hodnebo; wicker furniture: Target
Although Lenore fell in love with the old charm of the house, the lack of communal space was a challenge. The great room is a new addition and the center of family life. The coffee table is made from pieces found at flea markets and assembled locally.
Leather armchair and ottoman: Restoration Hardware
Leather armchair and ottoman: Restoration Hardware
The interior walls mimic the outside of the house with a grid of clean white molding. Large windows keep a sunny connection to the outside. Lavish Turkish rugs — souvenirs from childhood travels during Lenore's father’s years as an Army physician — are scattered throughout the home.
Paint: Victorian Garden, Benjamin Moore
Paint: Victorian Garden, Benjamin Moore
Redesigning the kitchen was a delicate balance of quality and maintaining a budget. "We splurged on these soapstone countertops and cut back on things that are less noticeable," she says. Rather than using a pricey name brand, she chose painted cabinets from local business Custom Woodworking.
With three growing boys, Lenore faces an unending weekly job of grocery shopping and food stocking. Rather than spend money on one gigantic appliance, she bought two GE refrigerators with opposite-facing doors to essentially create the same thing.
With three growing boys, Lenore faces an unending weekly job of grocery shopping and food stocking. Rather than spend money on one gigantic appliance, she bought two GE refrigerators with opposite-facing doors to essentially create the same thing.
Pay attention to this practical idea: Rather than choosing to have electrical outlets muck up her pristine subway tile backsplash, she relocated them to underneath the cabinets.
Lenore built a pivoting cabinet to stow large kitchen appliances (like her KitchenAid mixer) without taking up counter space.
This eating nook is filled with sunlight from large windows that face the yard. Lenore suggests that redecorators "keep all major pieces neutral. When it’s time for a change, swap in splashes of color with more affordable details, like placemats or throw pillows."
Metal kitchen stools from Dwelling Home add a modern touch to the traditional-style kitchen. A custom built homework station by Custom Woodworking is set directly off the kitchen.
Lenore loves to repurpose old, forgotten items and make them useful again. Here, old spice containers become small planters.
Lenore added charming old wooden bins near the mudroom entrance to store her sons' sports equipment and organize other clutter. She also installed a skylight — the only one in the house — in this room. "Many of my clients are drawn to skylights, but they actually tend to leak and generate a lot of heat. The placement should be thought through very carefully," she says.
A small powder room is conveniently located off the mudroom. White antique milk bottles rest on the ledge of wainscoting set high on the wall.
When it came to flooring, Lenore prioritized practicality without sacrificing flair. "These slate-looking tiles are actually porcelain and are amazingly durable. You could drive a car over them," she says. "My three boys give them quite a beating, and they are still in great condition."
Paint color: Glenwood spring, MAB
When it came to flooring, Lenore prioritized practicality without sacrificing flair. "These slate-looking tiles are actually porcelain and are amazingly durable. You could drive a car over them," she says. "My three boys give them quite a beating, and they are still in great condition."
Paint color: Glenwood spring, MAB
Flea market finds are stacked up next to the brick entryway fireplace. The fireplace, used frequently during the wintertime, is surrounded with decorative tilework. The patterned William Morris wallpaper above the mantel is used in other rooms throughout the house to give a nod to its traditional roots.
The Arts and Crafts–style dining room is decorated with floral William Morris wallpaper and wood paneling.
Dining room set: J Z Horning Table & Chairs
Dining room set: J Z Horning Table & Chairs
The master bedroom is also decorated with William Morris wallpaper, and houses an oversize antique wooden desk. The desk was a gift to Marc, who is very tall and needed an extra-large workspace.
One of the benefits of moving into a house with extra bedrooms is that it’s easy to turn one into an amazingly large walk-in closet, like Lenore and her husband did in this space.
Glass-front doors open to the master bathroom. The doors, original to the house, led directly to the hallway prior to their remodel.
Paint: Little Sparrow, MAB
Paint: Little Sparrow, MAB
In the boys' room, Lenore allowed herself to experiment with playful, bright colors, knowing that the commitment is temporary. She purchased the bunk beds at an unfinished-furniture store and painted them cobalt blue.
Wall paint: Hugs & Kisses, Benjamin Moore; rug: Colin Rug, Pottery Barn Kids
Wall paint: Hugs & Kisses, Benjamin Moore; rug: Colin Rug, Pottery Barn Kids
As an architect, Lenore works mostly out of her home office, which is perched on the third floor, looking out above the front yard. The space is cozy and quirky, and gives her private space to work in peace.
Paint: Blue Marina, Glidden
Paint: Blue Marina, Glidden
The backyard is one of the most welcoming, inspired and ecofriendly places in the house. The patio is covered in a layer of recycled tree bark. A gas-fired fire pit has ample seating.
Outdoor sectional and cushions: Chesapeake Low Platform, Pottery Barn; fire pit: Potted
Outdoor sectional and cushions: Chesapeake Low Platform, Pottery Barn; fire pit: Potted
Lenore built this shed to store outdoor cushions and accessories. Reclaimed wooden doors from Old Home Parts were flipped to show the more interesting, weathered side of the wood. The small roof is covered with a low-maintenance, lush garden from Live Roof. The live roof adds texture to the roof, absorbs heat and helps mitigate water runoff.
Now that the bulk of the remodel is done, Lenore (shown) plans to enjoy her family's oasis. But there are a few things on her home-project horizon. “First, I’m going to repaint every room," she says. "With my kids in the house, the repainting will probably never end, though."
At Iris Design Associates, our foremost goal is the creation of design that has the authentic sense of place and... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Premier Home Services, Inc. has been providing custom remodeling services to Loudoun County and the Surrounding... Read More
Related Stories
Selling Your House
6 Tips for Staging Historic Homes
Putting a period home on the market requires a unique level of attention to detail. Here's how to preserve its historic appeal
Full Story
Traditional Style
10 Ways to Get the Modern Cottage Look
Rustic surfaces and streamlined palettes capture the sweetness of a cottage without sending you into sugar shock
Full Story
Traditional Homes
My Houzz: English Cottage Style Graces a Home Bathed in Light
By Cynthia Lynn
Starting with a bare lot, a downsizing Illinois couple builds a fitting home that welcomes the sun everywhere you turn
Full Story
Craftsman Design
Houzz Tour: An Old-World Bungalow Earns a New Plan
By Houzz
With a hundred years under its belt, this New Hampshire home deserved the loving additions and modern updates made by its architect owner
Full Story
Vintage Style
My Houzz: Sweetly Charming Ohio Family Cottage
By Julie Ranee
This well-loved home exudes warmth with family heirlooms and hand-crafted furnishings, paired with a gorgeous backyard garden
Full Story
Craftsman Design
Houzz Tour: A Family Home Grows and Gets a New Face
By Becky Harris
An addition and an architectural renovation lead to an elegant yet comfy Craftsman for a California family of 6
Full Story
My Houzz
My Houzz: Stylish, Family-Friendly Remodel in Pennsylvania
This family with four growing boys renovated their Victorian home to make it both functional and beautiful
Full Story
Travel by Design
Houzz Tour: Bright, Rustic Cottage in France
By Houzz
A quaint medieval cottage in the picturesque Dordogne Valley offers historical charm and modern comforts
Full Story
SH Sale
Up to 50% Off Presidents Day Bestsellers: Vanities
By Houzz
Shop and save on designs that match your style
See Products
My Houzz
My Houzz: A Hilltop Family Home in Santa Cruz
Couple draws dream home inspiration from 'A Pattern Language' in thoughtfully placing windows, nooks and heirlooms
Full Story
I have been contemplating painting the dark wood cabinets a mustard color and changing the laminated counters to soap stone, blue stone, zinc or copper for my 1870's clapboard farm house kitchen.... do you have any recommendations?