Philadelphia-based interior designer Michelle Gage knew she would enjoy her latest project as soon as she saw the historic home in Rittenhouse Square she was hired to work on, writes Jessica Cherner for House Beautiful.

“The home, which was built in the 1850s, had amazing character, but the design didn’t show off the clients’ fun, funky, and quirky personality,” said Gage.

Gage was originally enlisted by the couple to do the renovation of a sizable primary bathroom on an upper floor. However, soon the project expanded significantly.

“In addition to what became a full gut renovation of the bathroom, we also ended up adding decor and cosmetic upgrades of the living room, bedroom, den, and dining room,” she said.

The living room, for example, has been transformed into the couple’s own paradise with new and vintage rugs, their own art, a sculptural chandelier, and a unique mirror. A vintage brass piece was repurposed as a game table.

Gage highlighted that it adds a vintage element and quirk.

The final result is a 19th-century home elegantly introduced into the 21st century with plenty of bohemian prints and rich palettes, highlighted by whimsical furnishings.

Read more about Michelle Gage and her work on this Rittenhouse home in House Beautiful.

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