A Parisian-Inspired Transformation in the Heart of Philly

They say Paris is always a good idea, and this home proves it. This project was a two-part labor of love, beginning with a full transformation of the top two floors. The home was craving character.. There were hardly any right angles (a designer’s dream nightmare!), but through thoughtful architecture, unique materials, and a clear design vision, we breathed new life—and a little European soul—right into this row home in the heart of philly.

Our clients, who quickly became dear friends, were drawn to that old-world charm you find in Parisian flats: the subtle millwork, the warm wood tones, the curated elegance that feels collected rather than styled. From the start, I knew we could give them something special.

Phase One : Basic to Bespoke

Phase one of this renovation included ripping out the two top floors and swapping everything. The original 3rd floor housed the primary suite, now includes 2 kids' rooms, a bathroom, and a lounge.  The 2nd floor was multiple bedrooms, now includes a primary suite–with an attached night kitchen leading out to a beautiful rooftop deck–and a huge bathroom and custom closet, along with oor now also includes a new laundry room, guest suite and an office. 

The space as a whole was particularly challenging from a design perspective, because it’s a row home and the way it was built, most of the exterior windows were situated on the stairwell wall, so many of the smaller interior rooms, such as the laundry, primary bath and laundry room don’t have natural light. 

Primary Suite

The primary bath is one of my favorite transformations. Custom cabinetry in warm walnut paired with dark, almost smoky, built-ins created the perfect contrast. Modern, slim sconce lighting offers a striking juxtaposition to the room’s more classic elements, adding a fresh layer of contrast to the timeless palette. We designed a custom coordinating free-standing storage piece that felt decidedly more like furniture with the functionality of a bathroom cabinet (and with secret pull-out hampers in the closed cabinets below🤫). The glass door storage on top is a great place to showcase decor and gives the piece less visual weight. Reeded wood doors, brass hardware, and fixtures paid nod to European craftsmanship.

The shower continues the layered texture story with variated wall tile in a neutral tone, seamless marble flooring, and brass fixtures—including a rain head and multiple shower heads—plus a generous built-in bench that adds comfort and a touch of luxury.

Night Kitchen

This little spot may be my favorite room in the whole house (although all of them are my fave!) It’s a little night kitchen, and the space packs a big design and functional punch. We carved out a space that feels moody and inviting—like a secret corner in a French apartment—it’s the perfect place to pause for a nightcap.

Tucked between the primary bedroom and the rooftop deck (not shown), the night kitchen does double duty. It’s accessible both from the bedroom and via an outdoor stairwell, making it a perfect hub for rooftop entertaining and late-night lounging alike.

The space is small, but we were able to include a sink, thoughtful storage, complete with a bar sink, beverage fridge and an ice maker. The palette is soft and drenched in a soft, warm neutral. We added charming details like vertical tongue and groove panelling, a beautiful custom brass bar shelf, charming brass shelf rails, and soapstone countertops paired with a large tumbled marble herringbone floor. 

Laundry Room

A new laundry room was built on the second floor and we were again able to pack a lot of functionality, storage, and style. The space has its own personality, but feels right at home with the other spaces on the floor. 

A large-format black and white checkered marble floor grounds the space, while light-toned vertical paneling, carried through from the night kitchen, creates cohesion across these hardworking rooms. Rich cabinetry adds depth, brings contrast, and thoughtful storage ensures the room foom functions beautifully

The shelving and brass rails are echoed from other spaces, and a striking soapstone was added behind the sin,k creating an unexpected moment. This room is not just functional, but genuinely enjoyable to be in.

Guest Bathroom

The secondary bathroom leans into the same layered aesthetic, where clean lines are softened by rich finishes and gentle texture.. We stayed true to the neutral, timeless palette established in the other parts of the house, while playing with texture and unique details to give this space its own spin. The familiar marble tile makes another appearance, this time in a more playful pattern that adds movement and a bold statement.

A polished nickel console sink is simple and elevates the space, bringing a refined simplicity and pairs beautifully with warm brass accents, striking just the right balance between classic and current. For a twist on the wall treatment, we introduced a similar vertical paneling in a slimmer wainscotting that adds subtle texture without overwhelming the space. The shower is simple and timeless with a white subway tile that has subtle variations in shape and texture, and the floor tile extends to the shower. The result is a bathroom that feels cohesive with the rest of the home, but still has its own charm.

The shower keeps things timeless with a simple glass surround, classic white subway tile featuring subtle variations in shape and a handmade quality, and a seamless transition of the floor tile right into the shower. The fixtures echo those used in the primary bath, but in a polished nickel finish for a fresh twist.

Kids Bathroom

The kids’ bathroom, now located on the reimagined third floor, features a playful new tile story and two single vanities in a warm wood that bring both style and function. We brought in a mix of green and white zellige tile to add personality and texture throughout. Behind the vanities, square tiles in green run full-height for a bold focal point, while in the alcove shower, the green continues in a horizontal layout on the lower half, with vertical white tile above—an unexpected twist that feels fresh and fun. Tumbled marble hexagon floors lend that Parisian charm underfoot, while the wood from the vanities helps soften the space. Brushed brass and matte black light fixtures bring a subtle nod to the old world style and coordinate beautifully with the contrasting polished nickel plumbing.

Despite being a kids’ space, it still feels elevated but playful, thanks to the layered textures, classic materials. It’s a bathroom that works hard for daily routines, but looks like it belongs in a boutique hotel.

A Moment Between Floors

Even the transition spaces got the design treatment. The custom staircase, with its clean lines and warm wood tones, adds sculptural interest while connecting all three floors. Overhead on the third floor, a modern bubble fixture makes a subtle statement—playful yet refined—drawing the eye upward and adding a soft glow to this vertical moment.

Aaaaand… we are just getting started

Stay tuned—Part 2 of this renovation is coming soon and is where we showcase the living spaces, where the same Parisian style and cozy elegance come into full focus. And trust me, you don’t want to miss a deeper look at how we brought the whole home together, including the sweetest kids' bedroom ever.

Until Next Time, Stay Inspired.

Libby

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Sharp & Grey Interiors is a full-service interior design studio specializing in creating beautiful yet highly livable spaces that feel as curated to how our clients live as they are to their personal tastes and style. Sharp & Grey offers a wide variety of flexible design options, from full-service interior design where we do it all, to consultations and design day services that give you the ideas or design plans to install your design project yourself. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, Sharp + Grey Interiors can help you create a home you love with fresh and inspired designs made for real life.