Furniture-Style Kitchen Islands
Why We Love the Look of Kitchen Islands That Resemble Furniture
Why We Love the Look of Kitchen Islands That Resemble Furniture
In today’s kitchen designs, the island is more than just a functional workspace—it’s the heart of the home. One trend that continues to captivate homeowners in the greater Philadelphia area is the furniture-style kitchen island. These statement pieces bring warmth, character, and sophistication to any space, seamlessly blending with surrounding cabinetry while standing out as a beautifully crafted focal point. Here’s why we love this look and how it can elevate your home.
A Custom, Curated Aesthetic
Unlike traditional built-in islands, furniture-style islands are designed with the detail and craftsmanship of fine furniture. With elements like turned legs, decorative moldings, and open shelving, they add a refined, custom feel to your kitchen. Whether you love classic, transitional, or modern styles, an island with furniture detailing can be tailored to match your aesthetic.
Increased Visual Interest & Versatility
One of the biggest advantages of a furniture-inspired island is its ability to break up the uniformity of kitchen cabinetry. By introducing different materials, colors, or leg designs, you create a dynamic contrast that enhances the overall design. Many homeowners opt for a contrasting island color—think rich walnut wood against painted cabinets or a soft gray island paired with crisp white perimeter cabinetry—to add dimension and depth.
Timeless Appeal with Functional Benefits
Furniture-style islands evoke a timeless, collected-over-time look, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want a kitchen that feels both stylish and inviting. These islands often feature open shelving, which is perfect for displaying curated collections of dishware or cookbooks, as well as integrated storage solutions to keep essentials organized yet accessible. Additionally, their freestanding appearance can make a kitchen feel more open and spacious.
Perfect for Entertaining & Everyday Living
A furniture-style island isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about lifestyle. Many of our clients in suburban Philadelphia love the added seating and conversational flow that an elegant island provides. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, helping kids with homework, or enjoying a casual morning coffee, this type of island serves as a central gathering place that enhances daily living.
Let’s Design Your Dream Kitchen
At Union Home Design, we specialize in designing kitchens that are both functional and beautiful. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of a furniture-style island or looking for a full kitchen transformation, we help homeowners in the greater Philadelphia area create spaces that reflect their style and enhance their daily lives.
Looking to bring this timeless trend into your home? Contact us today to start designing your perfect kitchen.
Trim Ideas We Love Right
Thoughtful design details that can transform your space
Thoughtful design details that can transform your space
At Union Home Design, we know that thoughtful design details can transform your space into something truly remarkable. As an experienced interior architect and designer serving the Main Line, we stay on top of design trends that enhance both style and functionality. One of the best ways to add character to your home is through trim work. Here are three trim ideas we’re loving right now that can elevate your Main Line residence.
1. Bobbin Trim
Bobbin trim, also known as spool trim, is a timeless design feature that’s making waves in both classic and contemporary interiors. Its rounded, bead-like design adds texture and a handcrafted feel to furniture edges, cabinetry, and mirrors.
Why we love it: Bobbin trim infuses charm and personality into any room, making it a versatile choice for Main Line homes that embrace both tradition and modernity.
2. Bamboo Trim
Bamboo trim brings the beauty of nature indoors with its sleek, organic lines. Ideal for accentuating walls, shelving, and cabinetry, bamboo trim offers a sophisticated yet earthy aesthetic.
Why we love it: Bamboo trim is perfect for homeowners who want to incorporate sustainable and natural elements into their design while maintaining a refined look.
3. Metal Inlay Trim
For a touch of luxury, metal inlay trim is an excellent choice. Available in finishes like brass, gold, and matte black, it adds a modern edge to cabinetry, built-ins, and even flooring.
Why we love it: Metal inlay trim enhances your home's architectural details, providing a polished and elegant finish that Main Line homeowners will adore.
At Union Home Design, we specialize in creating bespoke interiors that reflect your style and enhance your daily life. Whether you’re updating a single room or designing your entire home, our expert team is here to bring your vision to life.
Ready to transform your Main Line home? Contact Union Home Design today for a consultation and let’s create a space you’ll love for years to come.
Explore more design inspiration on our website and follow us on Instagram for the latest trends in architecture and interior design.
Selecting the Right Wood
A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wood for Every Space
A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wood for Every Space
At Union Home Design, we believe that selecting the right wood is essential to creating timeless interiors that reflect your unique style. With 20 years of experience as an architect, I’ve helped homeowners enhance their spaces with high-quality materials and thoughtful design solutions on the Main Line and Greater Philadelphia Area. Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect wood for your home renovation or interior design project.
WHITE OAK - White oak is a popular choice for homes due to its strength, durability, and versatile grain patterns. Whether you’re considering white oak flooring, custom cabinetry, or architectural details, this wood adds sophistication and longevity to any space. Its natural water resistance also makes it ideal for luxury kitchen and bathroom renovations.
RED OAK - Red oak’s warm tones and textured grain make it a versatile option for millwork, stair treads, and cabinetry. Its affordability and durability have made it a staple in many interiors, blending seamlessly with both traditional and modern designs.
WALNUT - If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your home, walnut wood is the perfect choice. Known for its rich, dark color and smooth grain, walnut is often used in custom furniture, high-end cabinetry, and statement millwork that exudes elegance.
MAHOGANY - Mahogany’s deep reddish-brown hue and fine grain create an aura of refinement, making it ideal for elegant paneling, custom doors, and traditional millwork. Its natural luster enhances the depth and sophistication of any interior.
PINE - For a more rustic or farmhouse aesthetic, pine offers a warm, knotty appearance that’s both affordable and versatile. It’s a great option for trim, accent walls, and farmhouse-style furniture in more rustic homes.
ASH - Ash wood’s light, neutral color and straight grain make it a top choice for Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Whether used for open shelving, cabinetry, or flooring, ash adds a modern, airy feel to any space.
IPE - Ipe, often referred to as “Ironwood,” is renowned for its density and durability, making it the perfect choice for outdoor decking and high-end exterior furniture. Its deep brown tones and weather resistance ensure long-lasting beauty for high-end outdoor spaces.
CEDAR - Cedar’s natural resistance to moisture and insects, along with its pleasant aroma, makes it ideal for outdoor furniture, siding, and sauna interiors. Its reddish hue adds warmth to any design.
At Union Home Design, we specialize in creating bespoke interiors and architectural solutions that enhance your home’s beauty and functionality. Our collaborative approach ensures that every design decision, from wood selection to layout, is simplified and tailored to your vision.
Ready to elevate your Philadelphia home with expertly selected materials and thoughtful design? Contact Union Home Design today to schedule your consultation and bring your dream space to life!
Metal Magic
Helpful Rules For Mixing Metals In Your Home
Mixing metals in interior design is a powerful way to add depth, texture, and a touch of luxury to any room. As an experienced architect and interior designer with 20 years of expertise, I’ve helped clients transform their homes into beautiful, functional spaces. Mixing metals thoughtfully can elevate your design, but it’s important to approach it with intention to achieve the perfect balance. Here are three essential rules to guide you in mixing metals for your home renovation or new build.
1. Limit Your Metal Choices for a Harmonious Look
When mixing metals, it’s important to maintain visual balance. Stick to two or three metals in a room to avoid overwhelming the space. Fewer choices ensure that the metals complement one another rather than compete for attention. For example, pair warm metals like brass or gold with cooler metals such as chrome or nickel for a sophisticated and balanced contrast. This approach adds interest and complexity without feeling cluttered or chaotic, creating a luxurious, timeless atmosphere.
2. Establish a Dominant Metal to Create a Cohesive Design
One of the most effective ways to mix metals is to designate a dominant metal in your space. This metal will set the tone for the room, while the others will serve as accents to provide subtle highlights and contrasts. Whether you choose a striking brass light fixture as your focal point or a sleek chrome faucet, the dominant metal should be the most prominent in the room. The accent metals will then create depth and visual interest, enhancing the overall design without overshadowing the main element.
3. Consider Your Room’s Color Palette for Seamless Integration
When incorporating mixed metals into your design, it's essential to consider the room’s existing color scheme. Warm metals like gold, brass, and copper work beautifully with rich, warm tones like browns, reds, and earthy neutrals. Conversely, cooler metals like silver, chrome, and nickel pair well with cooler tones such as blues, grays, and greens. The key is to ensure that the metals complement and enhance the room’s overall color harmony, creating a unified and cohesive aesthetic.
Create a Customized Design That Reflects Your Style
At Union Home Design, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout the Philadelphia region and its surrounding communities visualize their dream spaces and simplify the design process. We provide personalized guidance to help you select the perfect mix of metals and design elements for your home. Whether you're renovating an existing space or designing a new one, my collaborative approach ensures that your vision comes to life with ease and sophistication.
Ready to elevate your home with expert design guidance? Visit my website to explore my portfolio and contact me for a personalized design consultation. Together, we can transform your space into a luxurious, functional haven that reflects your unique style and needs.
Contact Union Home Design today, and let’s start creating your dream home!
Cheers to 2025!
Design trends we are celebrating this year!
Design Trends We Are Celebrating This Year!
As we move into 2025, Union Home Design is excited to highlight the most impactful design trends that will define luxury living. With 20 years of experience in the Philadelphia area and beyond, I specialize in guiding clients through the design process, offering expert advice that simplifies decisions and brings visions to life. Whether you're considering a home renovation or designing a new space, these trends will inspire you to create a home that reflects your style and sophistication.
Sculptural Lighting Statements – Merging Art with Function
Lighting is more than just a practical necessity; it’s an opportunity to make a bold design statement. Sculptural lighting is a top trend for 2025, where lighting fixtures serve as both artistic sculptures and functional pieces. These striking designs not only illuminate a room but also become captivating focal points that enhance the aesthetic of your space. Whether it's a dramatic chandelier or unique pendant lights, sculptural lighting brings an elegant touch of modernity to any room in your home.
Asymmetry - Redefining Balance in Design
Asymmetry is making waves in the world of interior design this year. Moving away from traditional symmetrical layouts, this trend celebrates balance through unexpected and dynamic arrangements. Whether it's an unconventional furniture layout or architectural features that break away from the norm, asymmetry adds an artistic and unique quality to your home. This approach allows your space to feel alive and full of character, giving it a modern, personalized touch.
Tiled Feature Walls - The Sophisticated Alternative to Wallpaper
Tiled feature walls are becoming a staple in luxury living, offering a stunning alternative to wallpaper. Not only do tiles add texture and style, but they also provide durability and timeless elegance. Ideal for creating a focal point in any room, tiled feature walls can make a bold statement, whether in your living room, bathroom, or kitchen. The variety of styles, colors, and patterns available ensures that you can customize this trend to suit your unique aesthetic, creating an unforgettable space.
Rich Wood Kitchens - Timeless Charm Meets Modern Design
This year, we're seeing a return to the classic beauty of rich wood finishes in kitchens. The warm tones, natural textures, and sophisticated stains breathe new life into this timeless look, creating a space that feels both cozy and grounded. Whether you prefer deep mahogany or a lighter oak, rich wood kitchens are a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. This trend brings character and warmth to one of the most important spaces in your home.
Let’s Make Your Space Unforgettable in 2025
At Union Home Design, I specialize in helping homeowners across the greater Philadelphia area visualize and bring their dream spaces to life. My 20 years of architectural experience allow me to simplify the design process and work collaboratively with you to make confident decisions that reflect your unique style. Whether you’re planning a home renovation or designing from the ground up, my goal is to ensure your space feels functional, luxurious, and authentically yours.
Are you ready to embrace these exciting design trends and transform your home in 2025? Visit my website to explore my portfolio and schedule a personalized design consultation. Together, we can create a space that blends timeless elegance with the latest design innovations.
Contact Union Home Design today, and let’s start making your home a reflection of your style and vision for the future!
Bold is the New Beautiful!
White Cabinets Are Out—Explore Stunning Cabinet Colors That Bring Personality and Style to Your Space.
White Cabinets Are Out—Explore Stunning Cabinet Colors That Bring Personality and Style to Your Space.
Benjamin Moore Spring Mint - Soft mint green with subtle blue undertones creates a fresh and calming FEELING
Benjamin Moore Hodley Red - Warm red with rust undertones, perfect for adding bold sophistication to both traditional and modern spaces.
Benjamin Moore Shady Lane - Green with earthy undertones, evoking the tranquil elegance of a lush forest.
Benjamin Moore River Blue - Lustrous blue with gray undertones, offering a serene yet dramatic touch to any space
Benjamin Moore Autumn Purple - Opulent purple with brown undertones, creating a cozy and polished atmosphere.
Which one will you try?
