1 of 6
2 of 6
3 of 6
4 of 6
5 of 6
6 of 6
by Beth S Buxbaum
Enjoying drives around Upper Makefield was a favorite activity for Sean and Nicole Murray. During their dating years, as they would tour around the area dreaming about future possibilities. Their path inevitably led them up one country road where they always admired the properties. “As we drove by, we would say that one day we will own one of these homes,” adds Sean. Little did they know that it was more than possible.
Years later, they were living in a townhouse in Lambertville and discovered that their favorite house was for sale by auction. “We knew that we wanted to live in this area,” adds Nicole, “so we put in a bid.” Weeks later, while on vacation, they received a call that they got the house. “Panic set in,” says Nicole. This was an unexpected turn of events. Not considering the possibility that their bid would be accepted, Sean and Nicole were unprepared for this reality. Immersed in their lives, with their two young children and demanding professions, Sean and Nicole considered their priorities. Wanting to live in New Hope and having better schools for their children drove their decision.
“We bought the house sight-unseen,” reveals Nicole. They took possession of the property on January 30, 2023. “On that day we walked into the house,” Nicole explains, “and we had no idea what we were going to find.” Thinking ahead they asked Ralph Fey, a well-known Bucks County architect, and Maiken Palazzo, the firm’s director of interior studio, to join them. “We were thinking we would do some renovating to open the space a little,” adds Sean. “We walked in and were relieved that the interior was in good condition,” Nicole adds. But the rooms were very divided, there were no open spaces, and a lot of hallways,” she continues. Sean describes how Ralph Fey walked in and shared his vision to transform the living space. The first item that caught Ralph’s attention was the staircase in the middle of the first-floor space, between the kitchen and the living room. Maiken recalls the conversations during the initial walk-through. “Ralph pointed to the staircase and said ‘we need to move that’,” she remarks.
During their first consultation Maiken led Sean and Nicole on a conceptual walk-through where they had discussions about their vision. “We offered ideas that were big moves to enhance the house,” Maiken continues. Essentially the original living space did not fit their lifestyle. “Spaces were closed-off,” Maiken says, “and not conducive to gathering with family and friends.” Maiken explains that people want to see everybody and be a part of the action. The first-floor rooms were not designed to have an open footprint. Built in 2003 by renowned Bucks County builder Ferman Lex, the home was a traditional Bucks County Colonial. Typical for this architectural style, the house’s interior footprint was very divided and closed-off. “Ralph Fey and his team presented us with options for changing the living space,” says Sean. “They explained what needed to be done to make the space feel larger and still feel cozy,” continues Sean, “and we knew that is what we wanted,”
“Ralph was very persuasive, convincing us to go for the bigger changes to create our dream home,” adds Nicole. “We wanted the house to be timeless, not trendy or in vogue,” Nicole explains, “just surrounded by all the things that we enjoy.” Understanding what Sean and Nicole wanted was key to the renovation. As Maiken explains, “we follow what our clients need and do what we can to support their vision.” An essential step was finding the right builders who would understand the vision. Ralph Fey recommended several builders and they selected Irwin Build. A master collaboration took place with the teams of Ralph Fey Architects and Irwin Build. Sean and Nicole remained in their Lambertville townhouse for a year while the renovation was taking place. With the goal of opening up the space and changing the flow, the renovation began with moving the entire staircase, knocking down walls and removing doorways. “This renovation became something much grander than what we expected,” Sean says, “the project changed the entire floor plan.”
Moving the staircase was the focal point to reconfiguring the first-floor living space. After weighing the options of rebuilding the stairs in another spot or moving them, the decision was to move the staircase. Formerly sitting in the center of the living space, midway between the kitchen and great room, the staircase was relocated to the entrance hall. Not only did moving the stairs open the living space, now the staircase was positioned more strategically. This sweeping staircase is a centerpiece leading to the second level atrium galley overlooking the first floor. With this reconfiguration, they did lose a fourth bedroom, but gained a second-floor laundry room.
Creating new space was a true collaboration with Maiken directing the interior design details along with the construction team of Ryan and Sean, from Irwin Build Architects. “The synergy was great between the two teams,” adds Nicole. Once they moved the stairway and knocked out walls, the space was ready for a redesign. A redefinition of the kitchen and great room footprint was in motion. In designing this open-concept space, the kitchen flowed into the great room. Two-story ceilings, lots of windows and no walls created an open and airy feel.
Constructing a small bump-out addition to expand the far side of the great room also enhanced this space. On one side was a wall with a fireplace adjacent to a wall of windows overlooking the patio. With this additional bump-out they removed some of the windows and added sliding doors to the patio. An enhancement of the fireplace wall was artistically orchestrated by Gabriel Franklin, a Bucks County master plasterer and owner of the ‘Art of Plaster.’ Gabriel creates custom home finishes and added his mastery to several areas of the house, including the fireplace wall. To create the illusion of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, Gabriel added six to seven layers of plaster to the drywall, from the base to the ceiling. He unveiled his artistry with a unique textured finish on the surface of the entire wall. Finishing off the great room, expansive skylights were designed to add light and an extra architectural feature to the two-story ceiling.
Architectural features have been carefully orchestrated in this transformation from closed to open space. Walls came down and accents were created to embellish and define the flow from room-to-room. Tall, sleek columns were placed throughout the first-floor footprint accenting the flow. Movement continued with the former dining room transformed into a butler’s pantry and powder room. On the other side of the first-floor space, a dining room was recreated where the formal living room once resided. An intimate space, the dining room is tucked away in this cozy, private corner. Maiken remarks that she understands how Sean and Nicole love to entertain. Living day-to-day in the wide-open areas suits their busy lives. For a change of pace, they have the option of entertaining in a more intimate space.
Having an understanding and respect for a client’s lifestyle and preferences was what guided the team. Maiken explains that in conversations with Sean and Nicole it was clear that they were looking for something timeless. “They wanted to use all of their furniture and artwork,” Maiken adds, “which actually inspired me. They have great taste,” Maiken explains, “and I designed around what they had.” She incorporated all of their pieces into the interior spaces. “Their furniture was anchored in a more industrial quality,” adds Maiken. She took cues from that styling to position the pieces in their living space.” All the furniture and artwork set the palette for the walls, floors, cabinetry and tiles. Neutral tones and natural materials fill the living space, imbuing a calm and cozy feel.
Applying a neutral palette, in soft shades of white and taupe, worked well with their furniture. Natural wood accents blend with the neutral tones. Flooring is engineered walnut, enhanced by walnut wrapped columns and staircase rails. In the kitchen, a massive black wood- based center island is topped with a Cristallo quartzite. White cabinetry completes the kitchen area, adding contrast to the dark wood floors. Flowing into the great room, a similar palette was applied to refresh and compliment the furnishings. Styled in natural woods and metals, and finished in shades of white and tan, the great room pieces fit perfectly into this open-concept space. “I took inventory of their furniture and artwork to design,” Maiken explains, “looking at key pieces to find somewhere special for placement.” A special placement was selected for one unique art piece in the dining room. Maiken explains that the wall color was inspired by the artwork on the back wall. “We pulled the color from the painting,” she adds. This piece of art, a depiction of a teal-toned race car, was done by a Vietnamese artist who printed this on old oil cans. Set in a warm saturating blue tone, the dining room is infused with a cozy, warm ambiance. “We designed this space to feel like you are enveloped in a moment while dining,” Maiken continues.
Invoking a feeling of spatial freedom, this home’s interior has been reset. Once a chopped up, closed-in living space is now a free-flowing footprint with calming tones and simplified features.
Describing the style as transitional, with hints of modernism and industrialism, Maiken emphasizes its timeless appeal. “We refreshed the space in a modern way, while being respectful of the home’s architectural style,” Maiken explains. Some of the elements are more modern than others, and some have a more industrial presence. Working diligently to make it all work was the skill of the team. Sean notes that Irwin Build Architects won a national award for the renovation.
After a year of renovations, this home’s interior has been transformed. “We moved back in on April 15th, 2024,” says Nicole. With the entire footprint of this home reimagined, the end result was everything they envisioned, and more. Surrounded by all that they cherish and enjoy, their newly transformed home fits the way they live. Thinking back to their first views of this home on their drives, Sean and Nicole are now living in their dream…a home that has transformed their lives.
Beth S. Buxbaum is a freelance writer from the Philadelphia area.