Historic Townhome

To revive this narrow Philadelphia brownstone, the creative team at Marguerite Rodgers imagined it as a polished London townhouse elevated with Japanese-inspired elements. Emblematic of the visionary, collaborative process indicative of all the firm’s commissions, this complex project involved architects, planners, builders, artists, and craftspeople. The exterior is meticulously restored to its nineteenth-century character while the cosmopolitan appearance of the interior gradually transitions from historical details in the entry level to a more contemporary, Asian-infused flavor for the master suite and the excavated lower level. Warm and comfortable, the home intriguingly reflects the owner’s personal interests and taste.

  • Architecture: Peter Zimmerman Architects
  • Contractor: Shay Construction
  • Landscape Architecture: Digs Living
  • Lighting Design: Filament 33 Inc.
  • Photography: Halkin | Mason Photography LLC
A narrow hallway with wooden floors, large abstract art on the left, a mirror and lamp on the right, and an open black door leading outside to a leafy street. An umbrella stand sits near the door, and sunlight streams through the doorway.
Contemporary living room with neutral tones, velvet sofa, two modern armchairs, a marble fireplace with art above, sculptural chandelier, large mirror, and elegant décor including candles, plants, and sculptures, all arranged in a bright, inviting space.
Elegant living room with two gray armchairs facing a gray sofa, coffee table in between, modern chandelier overhead, decorative items on cabinets, artwork, mirrors on the walls, wooden floors with a rug, and large windows with blinds letting in natural light.
Elegant dining room with wood floors, rectangular table, six chairs, modern light fixture, sideboard with decor, large round wall art, soft lighting, and view of a cozy living area and garden through glass doors. Arched entry and staircase on the right.
A stylish dining room features a round abstract wall art above a sideboard, flanked by two tripod lamps. Two vases with branches, an open book, and decorative tiles adorn the sideboard. A long floral centerpiece sits on the patterned dining table.
Modern kitchen with wooden floor, large island with gray base, and three pendant lights. Two wooden chairs face the island. Theres a gray sofa with pillows on the left. Glass doors at the end open to a patio with green plants and outdoor seating.
A cozy brick townhouse with large glass doors opens onto a patio. Two cushioned chairs and a round table with cups and a teapot sit on stone tiles, near a grill and lush plants. Warm indoor lights reveal a modern kitchen and living area inside.
A cozy home office with a wooden desk, leather chair, books, and lamps. Art and decor fill shelves. A colorful striped painting and small bench with stacked books are beside a black door. Wooden floors and a large window brighten the room.
Modern bedroom with gray walls, large bed with patterned bedding, two tall windows, a wooden cabinet with vases and branches, a gray armchair, sideboard with decor, and a soft rug. Natural light fills the room, creating a cozy, stylish atmosphere.
Contemporary bedroom with grey bed, geometric comforter, two bedside tables with black lamps, and decorative vases on a shelf above the bed. Light fixture on ceiling, rug on floor, and open doorway leads to a walk-in closet with shelves and clothes.
Modern walk-in closet with wooden shelves holding suitcases, boxes, folded clothes, and bags. The floor is wood, and a black side table with a hat sits below the shelves. Through the doorway, a bathroom with dark cabinetry and a potted orchid is visible.
Modern bathroom with a marble countertop double sink, dark cabinetry with gold hardware, a potted orchid, candles, frosted glass windows, towel racks on the left, and a marble-tiled shower with gold fixtures on the right.
Modern bedroom with polished wood floor, a large neatly made bed with beige and gray bedding, three framed prints above the headboard, two windows with city views, an armchair with ottoman, a plant, wooden dresser, and soft lighting.
Modern bathroom with a wooden soaking tub, glass shower, and black sink vanity. Shoji screen on the left, potted plants, warm lighting, and stone tile walls create a Japanese-inspired, tranquil atmosphere. Towel and bath items on the tub edge.
Modern living room with a sectional sofa, colorful pillows, round coffee tables, art on walls, a record player, lamp, and decor on a wooden sideboard. Stairs with carpet lead up; hardwood floors and patterned rug complete the cozy, stylish space.