hidden SECRETS
Residential Renovation | Villanova, Pennsylvania
Brick, raw steel, and natural stone define the material palette, reflecting the contrast between classic Main Line architecture and modern design. With refined detailing and an emphasis on sustainable upgrades, the home balances its established exterior character with warm, streamlined spaces designed for contemporary living.
Project Details
Project Type: Residential Renovation
Location: Villanova, PA
Scope: hidden SECRETS is a residential renovation project where MaMo Architects reimagined a traditional brick colonial home through a contemporary interior lens.
Design Team
Contractor: Shay Construction
Featured Artisans: Summus Studio (Cabinetry) + Bill Curran Design (Metalwork)
Landscape: Donald Pell Gardens
Photographer: Jeffrey Totaro
Classic proportions meet modern restraint in this luxury home renovation, setting the stage for a home defined by subtle detail and intentional discovery.
Light, proportion, and materiality converge in a dining room that feels both open and intimately defined. / Sculptural stair detailing transforms a functional element into a moment of architectural expression and thoughtful spatial design.
Bespoke millwork and concealed storage bring balance to a room that feels effortless yet highly considered within this modern architectural interior.
A kitchen defined by restraint and precision, where integrated elements and concealed storage maintain a seamless aesthetic. / Layered textures and muted tones define a kitchen designed to feel effortless, with every detail quietly resolved.
Framed by natural light and warm materials, this dining space offers a softer scale of living, complemented by wood and steel detailing. / A balance of structure and softness, pairing clean lines with tactile surfaces to create a layered spatial experience.
Warm wood interiors and clean geometry define a space designed for both gathering and retreat. / A study in craftsmanship, where wood grain, shadow lines, and proportion create quiet visual interest.
A light-filled living space where architectural interiors and sculptural furnishings create a balance of softness and structure, grounded in modern luxury living.
Thresholds become moments of pause, reinforcing a layered design approach that connects each space with quiet precision. / A seamless indoor-outdoor connection defines this space, where expansive glazing and natural materials shape a calm, immersive environment.
Clean lines and concealed design details bring clarity to a space designed for quiet, everyday rituals. / A compact space elevated through precision detailing and a sculptural stone basin, an expression of bespoke residential architecture.
A serene bathroom defined by a natural material palette, where warm stone and custom millwork create a cohesive, immersive environment. / A balance of proportion and materiality defines this space, where integrated storage solutions support refined residential design.
A hidden destination within the home where layered materials and tailored storage create a refined, immersive environment.
Designed for gathering, this outdoor space reflects modern home design with a focus on refined simplicity and comfort.
Project Goals, Conceptualization & Collaboration
Located in West Chester on Philadelphia’s Main Line, this brick colonial home underwent a significant interior renovation to better reflect the homeowners’ evolving preferences and lifestyle. The design sought to reduce visual clutter and create a cohesive interior language through the thoughtful use of neutral tones, raw steel, rich wood, and natural stone.
As the project evolved, the clients’ appreciation for modern furniture and clean-lined interiors became increasingly evident. MaMo embraced the contrast between the home’s traditional exterior and its contemporary interior transformation, using refined finishes and carefully considered detailing to create spaces that feel calm, current, and inviting.
To realize the design vision, MaMo collaborated closely with Shay Construction, artisans, and trade specialists throughout the renovation process. Local craftspeople contributed custom forged steel mantels, doors, stairs, hand-sanded millwork, and precisely mitered stone steps. Their expertise was particularly valuable in addressing the irregularities common in older homes, with close coordination among the architect, contractor, and artisans ensuring custom details were carefully resolved in the field and executed cohesively throughout the project.
Sustainable Design & Implementation
Within the constraints of the existing home, MaMo prioritized targeted upgrades that improved comfort, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Original double-hung windows were replaced with energy-efficient casement windows to improve thermal performance and support cross-ventilation.
Insulation throughout the building envelope was enhanced to improve year-round energy efficiency.
Energy-efficient mechanical systems, including HVAC and LED lighting, were integrated to reduce overall energy use and support lower operating demands.
Design Challenges & Solutions
Renovating an older home required careful responses to existing structural conditions, insulation limitations, and water management issues. Working together, MaMo and Shay Construction addressed these challenges through practical, design-driven solutions.
Sloped rooflines were used strategically to expand tight spaces, creating new closets and more generous walk-in showers.
A previously dark, traditional sunroom was transformed by removing the flat ceiling and introducing an exposed-truss wood ceiling, increasing both natural light and spatial character.
The crowded kitchen was modernized by replacing ornate upper cabinetry with floating shelves and streamlined cabinetry, creating a brighter and more open feel.
By resolving these challenges thoughtfully, the renovation reshaped the home for contemporary living while preserving the character of its traditional architectural shell.