Home Tours / January 28, 2026

Grounded Modernism Along the Schuylkill River

Tucked away in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia and framed by the picturesque Schuylkill River and the secluded Wissahickon Park, this area of the city attracted a wave of progressive clients during the mid-20th century who wanted proximity to Center City alongside access to nature. Architectural work by figures ranging from Richard Neutra to local talents such as Earle Bolton, Jr., Elizabeth Fleisher, and Newcomb Montgomery is woven into the fabric of the neighborhood, says interior designer Nicole Cole.

“Work spanning architects from Richard Neutra to local talents such as Earle Bolton, Jr., Elizabeth Fleisher, Newcomb Montgomery are part of the fabric of this neighborhood,” she tells us. “The quiet current of the Schuylkill River and the surrounding wooded enclave of mid-century homes provided inspiration for the design, suggesting a palette of earthy textures, deep greens, and honest materials. We felt that we could truly shape the home into something that feels grounded and uniquely attuned to its place.”

The homeowners, a young family with two active kids and a Labrador retriever named Griffin, reached out to Nicole with a goal of updating their brick mid-century home. “They loved the architecture of the home, and how it nestled into the surrounding landscape, but the interior felt a bit cold and uninteresting,” she recalls. “They were looking for a floor plan and furnishings that supported their vision of relaxing and hanging out with family and friends and wanted the spaces to feel warm and welcoming.” Their brief called for a home that balanced everyday functionality with a sense of comfort and ease.

The fireplace was also in need of a new creative vision. “They loved having one in the space, but the mantle and hearth lacked personality and style and felt like and afterthought in the room,” she says. “Our clients also have a great collection of art and objects, but no good place to display them. Many items were scattered on tables or small etageres and it felt a bit scattered throughout the space.” To resolve this, they looked to her firm, Vestige Home, to bring their much-loved pieces into a more cohesive and considered whole.

Nicole and her team took care to update each room with functional design and practical warmth—blackened wood, softly veined stone, handwoven textures, and gentle curves set the tone. The project was completed over the course of seven months, and the clients were thrilled with the space. “They loved how cozy it felt and how well it functioned for their lifestyle,” Nicole says. “Griffin especially enjoys napping on the big, cozy sofa!”

Take a tour in the slideshow.