Chrysalide Architecture

J L Curtis

Maurizio Esposito

Perched above the beautiful Delaware River in the historic village of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania sits this magnificent custom home designed by OMNIA Group Architects. According to Partner, Brian Mann,"This riverside property required a nuanced approach so that it could at once be both a part of this eclectic village streetscape and take advantage of the spectacular waterfront setting." Further complicating the study, the lot was narrow, it resides in the floodplain and the program required the Master Suite to be on the main level. To meet these demands, OMNIA dispensed with conventional historicist styles and created an open plan blended with traditional forms punctuated by vast rows of glass windows and doors to bring in the panoramic views of Lambertville, the bridge, the wooded opposite bank and the river. Mann adds, "Because I too live along the river, I have a special respect for its ever changing beauty - and I appreciate that riverfront structures have a responsibility to enhance the views from those on the water." Hence the riverside facade is as beautiful as the street facade. A sweeping front porch integrates the entry with the vibrant pedestrian streetscape. Low garden walls enclose a beautifully landscaped courtyard defining private space without turning its back on the street. Once inside, the natural setting explodes into view across the back of each of the main living spaces. For a home with so few walls, spaces feel surprisingly intimate and well defined. The foyer is elegant and features a free flowing curved stair that rises in a turret like enclosure dotted with windows that follow the ascending stairs like a sculpture. "Using changes in ceiling height, finish materials and lighting, we were able to define spaces without boxing spaces in" says Mann adding, "the dynamic horizontality of the river is echoed along the axis of the living space; the natural movement from kitchen to dining to living rooms following the current of the river." Service elements are concentrated along the front to create a visual and noise barrier from the street and buttress a calm hall that leads to the Master Suite. The master bedroom shares the views of the river, while the bath and closet program are set up for pure luxuriating. The second floor features a common loft area with a large balcony overlooking the water. Two children's suites flank the loft - each with their own exquisitely crafted baths and closets. Continuing the balance between street and river, an open air bell-tower sits above the entry porch to bring life and light to the street. Outdoor living was part of the program from the start. A covered porch with outdoor kitchen and dining and lounge area and a fireplace brings 3-season living to the river. And a lovely curved patio lounge surrounded by grand landscaping by LDG finishes the experience. OMNIA was able to bring their design talents to the finish materials too including cabinetry, lighting, fixtures, colors and furniture.

This family has many beautiful and unique Items we integrated in the home design. The pieces from their international travels included furnishings, original artwork, a hand carved wall hanging and wooden elephant, silk, oriental and animal rugs. We created new spaces for their lifestyle with pieces for seating area and a work area. We added some new light fixtures and reupholstered the dining room chairs. Our custom workroom constructed our design for bedding and draperies for the Master Bedroom which was painted a lighter wall color. We reworked the children's rooms with collections they love. The family room got a refresh with new chairs, lights, and a fun print on the pillows. The home is enjoyed by all. Photography: Michael Hunter

Rachael Boling Photography

A sample of some spaces you can get at home or anywhere you want a countertop. In this picture you can see the beautiful and majestic Calacatta Borghini covering a wall of our showroom.

Nedoff Fotography

William Short

TOCR.com

Stephen Thrift Photography

SHERMAN OAKS Living Room & Dining Area

MJCroninDesigns,LLC- total re-model on limited budget. New Kitchen, baths, painting, fixtures, some furniture. Floors stripped, banisters restored.