Society Hill
The story of this project began back in 2000, when Amity answered the phone at Tom Sheerer’s Gramercy Park apartment office. A few months into her design assistant role, she listened to the woman on the other end of the line speak fondly of Tom’s work and inquire about him decorating the living and dining areas in her 11-room Ohio home. While the job was deemed too small for Tom, Amity offered to pick it up outside the office. She and the client quickly became fast friends.
Over the next few years, the two worked together on the large Ohio home and again when it was time to move and downsize to a Philadelphia condo. In between, they’d meet in NYC to scout out unique antiques and art pieces. The longtime creative collaboration quickly became a treasured friendship.
Nearly two decades since that fateful call, the echoes of friendship resounded once more as our esteemed client, now embarking on a new chapter in Philadelphia, purchased a majestic four-story townhouse nestled in the historic enclave of Society Hill. A home steeped in tales of yore, boasting a basement, a sun-drenched solarium, and a verdant back patio, awaited the transformative touch of the expanded Amity Worrel & Co. team, with Allison Beyer as a beacon of creative kinship.
The timeless allure of the townhome, erected in the year 1811, bore witness to centuries of history and tales untold, resonating with an inherent grace and charm that captivated the senses. Walls adorned in a resplendent cream and bone damask wallpaper, sprawling formal living rooms flaunting majestic draperies, and a gleaming powder room clad in mirrors, all whispered tales of bygone eras and opulent affairs. A symphony of original fireplaces, bespoke built-ins, and a meticulously finished basement set the stage for a meticulous design endeavor that paid homage to the storied legacy of the home.
Our approach was one of reverence and introspection, wherein the goal was not to erase the past, but to infuse it with layers of interest and intrigue that harmonized seamlessly with the property’s enduring charm. Drawing upon the rich tapestry of our shared history and the home’s venerable lineage, we embarked on a decades-long journey of transformation that celebrated the confluence of past and present.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, we wove a narrative of opulence and elegance throughout the home, drawing inspiration from its timeless features and historic accents. From plush, rich textures adorning the main living spaces to hand-picked antiques that spoke volumes of the client’s unique persona, each element was carefully curated to honor the essence of the 19th-century residence.
In the sleeping quarters, fabric walls, bespoke beds, and wallpapered ceilings ushered in a sense of serenity and sophistication, while Pierre Frey’s exquisite embroidery graced the primary bedroom curtains, casting a spell of timeless elegance upon the space. A mustard Ligne Roset Michel Ducaroy’s TOGO sofa added a touch of avant-garde flair to the basement, while a handmade abaca fiber fan-patterned rug anchored the dining room in understated luxury.
As we step into the next chapter of this enduring saga, our gaze is set on the primary bath, a testament to the enduring bond between client and designer, poised to etch new memories into the annals of history. With famed interior photographer Bill Abranowicz capturing the essence of our journey, we stand on the precipice of a new dawn, eager to script yet another chapter in the timeless tale of Society Hill’s most resplendent townhouse.
