Entertaining haven

In this custom-built West Chester home lives an energetic family with an active social life. The wife also runs a successful home-based business. We made changes to the house that reflects their vibrant energy and specific needs, and when Covid … Continue reading

A fresh, new look

  Gray has been a popular neutral color for decorating as of late, and if a sleek, cool and contemporary look is what you’re after, then using various shades of gray is a no-brainer.   But, if you want to … Continue reading

Second chance for a classic chintz

When my client told me that she had purchased some curtains off of e-bay and didn’t know how to make them work in her bedroom, my first thought was “uh-oh”.  The uncertainty of repurposing something is always a little scary … Continue reading

Sheer fabric window treatments

With so many options to choose from when it comes to dressing windows, it’s fun to be able to get the privacy and light control needed while doing something a little different and unexpected. In this dressing/closet area, the sheer … Continue reading

Big changes, dramatic results

We’ve just completed the first phase of this renovation in West Chester, and I’m excited to share the changes so far.  In the foyer, we went big and bold with a new, 60″ diameter light fixture in crystal and nickel.  To add to the drama, we painted the walls a medium green/gray, added a beefy crown molding and decorative boxes with a silvery damask paper inside.  We will finish off the space with a silver-leafed chest and a new rug.  (Will post when the chest comes in).

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Foyer-Before

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Foyer-After

 

In the family room, we added a window to balance the architecture.  We modernized the fireplace by removing the raised hearth and installing stone from floor to ceiling.  We added a beam to the ceiling, and replaced the fan with a simple chandelier.  The large wall was outfitted with large boxes and a gray linen paper.  Simple, sheer blue/gray drapes were hung to soften the look and make the room more cozy.  Our plan is to fill the room with new furniture pieces that better fit the size of the space.

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Family Room-Before

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Family Room-After

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Family Room-Before

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Family Room-After

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Family Room Concept-3D View

The versatility of window treatments

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Before

 

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Before

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week, we installed new drapes in this Chester Springs master bedroom.  The existing silk drapes, while very pretty, did not add any oomph to the room, and they also didn’t block out the light for better sleeping.  Additionally, because of the strong southern exposure, the sun had deteriorated the fabric in some spots.

The new drapes are blackout lined, they are decorative when opened or closed, and they also block drafts in the winter (or strong light in the summer) which is a nice bonus.   We chose a current, large-scale pattern to add more visual interest to the room.  The solid banding is a nice accent, and will stand up to wear from the client’s dogs rubbing up against them.

We offer many options for window coverings, but I highly recommend a blackout-lined drape for a bedroom.  Other clients just rave about the darkness they can achieve.  Great for people that want to sleep in, or those that work nights and sleep during the day.

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After

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Versatile and Practical Window Solutions

When McGrath Interiors began working with the following clients in Devon, PA, they were leaning towards installing fabric drapery panels in their family room. After establishing that white was the best color for the area, the thought of doing them in fabric was impractical because they would easily become dirty. Especially considering that the clients have pets and children who enter through the slider on a daily basis, the drapes would have been a nuisance. After we helped them consider the need for a more practical and long lasting option, they decided on using a vinyl vertical blind. Vinyl is easily cleanable so it became a more sensible choice because of the heavy use this door receives. We were still able to provide an aesthetically pleasing element in the fabric patterned cornice board above the doorway while maximizing its functionality.

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The next photo is of a functioning Roman shade in the guest bedroom of a different client’s home in West Chester. This one shade is decorative as well as practical because it goes up and down without difficulty. It is a custom designed option with a very good price and a ten day turnaround.

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Striking a Balance

When McGrath Interiors began this project on a two-year old home in West Chester, the first impression I got was that there was a dichotomy between the formalness of the house, and the relaxed, updated feel that the clients wanted … Continue reading

Completed “hardwood” project

This project has been completed for a while now, but having the discipline to post pictures and job details is something I need to work on.  The before pictures of this family room in a West Chester home show brick arches … Continue reading

Master Bedroom with style

Coming in on the tail end of a project to finish off a room with details can sometimes be a challenging task, but in this case my job was made easy.  Working with Eric from Clerestory Construction, the clients had already … Continue reading