Delancey Place, A Historic Traditional

This 7,150 square foot colonial style townhouse restoration blends classic Philadelphia architectural details with the comforts of modern living. Henck Design’s interior design vision for the home’s revamp combines colors like light blue tones with soft grays and natural elements through modern furniture pieces, traditional wall coverings and more. The interior design aesthetic elevates each living space using textural one-of-a-kind pieces and Turkish rugs along with extraordinary furnishings.

The details of this historic home are stunning. This space includes sixteen inch plaster moldings that are original to the house, along with considerable millwork that lines the walls and doorways throughout. The location is on one of the most desired, tree-lined streets in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.

Academic leader Erika James has recently accepted the position as the Dean of Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. As the new Dean of Wharton, she is both the first woman and the first Black person to lead the business school. This notable accomplishment is absolutely deserving of a dean-worthy space. The esteemed Erika James gave the opportunity to Henck Design.

You can imagine how honored the Henck Design team is to be awarded the project. The HD Team took on the interior design refresh in late 2021 and completed it in 2022. Major parts of the renovation included modernizing furniture, rugs, and light fixtures – as well as refurbishing the wall aesthetic.

The home was in great condition when the designers arrived, although it needed some updates to make the rooms uphold the homeowner’s day-to-day and executive hosting needs while adding a modernity and softness to each room.

A customized 12-foot sectional sits in the family room, surrounded by two darling one-of-a-kind ottomans. Adorned in neutral print fabric, these ottomans serve as coffee tables if needed. With mirroring curved chaise lounges, this room offers plenty of seating for James’ wonderful guests. The HD team had a goal of creating the warmth a host’s home needs.

The sitting room, foyer and front entry were all updated with fresh paints, transitional furnishings and handmade Turkish rugs. Each of the three initial rooms are adjacent to the grand-scaled dining room. The substantial crystal chandelier in this dining room faces breathtaking, large-scale mirrors that line the walls to add light and energy to this expansive space. With the room’s openness and elegant energy, it is the perfect place to entertain family, friends and colleagues.

The HD Team had the pleasure of collaborating with the esteemed, local Philadelphia Table Co. for this sophisticated project. Philadelphia Table Co. helped craft the stunning 10 foot white oak table that captivates the dining room. Pairing this with the custom designed high back tufted navy blue chairs only adds to the sophisticated feel.

Large-scale items, like art and oversized furniture pieces, were incorporated with some vintage items to hold up to the scale of the stately rooms and support the authenticity of the home’s interior architecture. Of these features, iconic columns, traditional balusters, and original basketweave floor tile can be found throughout the home. Upstairs, the custom wingback headboard with large-scale nightstands and decorative lighting provides an elegance for the primary bedroom that overlooks Delancey Place.

This interior design’s aesthetic will continue to stay as timeless as the original architecture of the home that envelopes it. The Henck Design team is confident that this home will suit the honorable Dean of Wharton and her family’s needs for years to come. This Philadelphian location is sure to impress all of the sophisticated guests they’ll be sure to host!

Love This Design? See More Design Inspiration for Spaces and Decor Like This on Henck Design’s Pinterest Board Inspired by This Design Project!