Located in Philadelphia’s Bella Vista neighborhood, this renovation transforms a turn-of-the-century rowhouse into a more expansive and connected home for family living. The original floor plan, constrained by a narrow kitchen and compartmentalized rooms, gave way to an open layout that unites kitchen, living, and dining areas while extending the home’s connection to the outdoors.
Marvine Renovation
Before the renovation
By removing an existing dedicated entry corridor, the kitchen now spans the full width of the house, creating a brighter and more open interior. With this layout change, the living and dining areas were also allowed to spill into each other, creating a functional shared space.
The interior is defined by a palette of natural materials and warm finishes that temper modern lines with traditional warmth. Heart pine flooring replaces the original pine, offering both durability and a nod to the home’s history. Custom white oak cabinetry, detailed with integrated pulls, provides a tactile counterpoint while navigating existing masonry to deliver efficient, concealed storage.
Project Credits
Year: 2025
Project Team: Mario Gentile, Tim Barnes, Amelia Best, Samantha Hubbard
Collaborators: Kole Made, Rise Engineering
Photography: Haigen Pearson