Tucked into a quiet neighborhood in Fox Chapel, Heritage House is a showcase of elevated restraint — a traditional single-family residence infused with sleek modern touches. Though this project was modest in terms of overall square footage, this renovation demanded deep attention to design detail, technical finesse, and an intimate vision for comfort.
Recrafted Galley Kitchen: Function Meets Elegance
The project began with the reimagining of an existing galley kitchen. While its core layout remained, nearly every element was reworked for quality and ease of use. Rich new hardwood floors warm the space, grounding the crisp white cabinetry that now conceals high-end appliances and customized storage.
A continuous slab of integrated stone, used for both the full-height backsplash and countertop, wraps the kitchen in clean, seamless sophistication. The sink is carved directly into the same stone, and outlets are recessed to preserve the uninterrupted visual flow. Even the cooking appliances have been recessed into the countertops to allow for one visual plane.
Subtle and smart lighting transforms the kitchen at the touch of a button. With customizable presets for different “moods”—from bright task lighting to soft ambient tones—this space shifts fluidly between culinary workspace and hosting showpiece according to the client’s desired experience.
Off of the expanded kitchen footprint, the renovated living room showcases a limestone fireplace surround and warm hues consistent with the rest of the interior space. The living room also provides access to arguably the best room in the house, the sunroom. Creating a vaulted ceiling with an exposed white oak beam provided the foundation for a light, airy space that invites the outdoors in. A heated floor and brand-new windows ensure that this room can be enjoyed year-round.
Luxe and Light:
The Primary Bathroom Retreat
Upstairs, the primary bath is a study in modern serenity. The true zero-entry glass shower creates a spa-like experience, echoing minimalism and accessibility with a curbless design. Mirroring the look of full-height stone in the kitchen, the bathroom shower features large slabs of honed marble to offer a similar seamless look.
The options for customizable lighting continue into the bathroom space. His + her lighting control creates the possibility for preset ‘moods’, introducing bright light for the early riser and subdued tones for anyone sleeping in. The ability for lighting control, the curbless shower application, and the consistency of soft marble across horizontal and vertical surfaces completes the sense of calm.
Opposite the shower, custom floor-to-ceiling wardrobes provide elegant storage and balance, while providing another opportunity to showcase the power of lighting design. At the window, a custom upholstered bench with integrated drawers invites relaxation and contributes to the overall spa-like feel in this space.
All of the details in this space reinforce the project’s meticulous attention to form and function, and emphasizes the importance of client lifestyle in good design.
The Family Room: Architectural Cabinetry
In the family room, a wall-to-wall custom built-in offers beauty and storage in equal measure. Painted cabinetry is offset by wood insets, framing open shelving and a centrally positioned
television. Cabinetry and drawers below offer hidden organization, while also allowing room for ambient wall sconces.
Conclusion: Design in the Details
The Heritage House renovation is proof that the most personal projects aren’t always the largest. Through a deep collaboration with the project team and obsessive focus on detail—from hidden doors to lighting zones to integrated stone —this home is now an immersive experience of timeless luxury.
