A *Rittenhouse Square rowhome* *kitchen and dining renovation by J.THOM*

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, each defined by the iconic rowhome. From the cobblestone alleys of Society Hill to the stately brick facades of Rittenhouse Square, these homes form the architectural heartbeat of the city.

Living in a piece of history, however, comes with a unique set of design challenges. At J.THOM, we believe the narrow footprints and historic quirks of a Philadelphia rowhome should not limit how you live. Instead, they provide the perfect canvas for bespoke design.

Philadelphia Rowhouse Design Challenges

Rowhouse Width and Sightline Constraints

Most Philadelphia rowhomes measure between 14 and 18 feet wide. The resulting long, linear floor plans can feel compressed, especially when standard cabinetry and appliance layouts are forced into the space. In addition, historic rowhomes rarely offer square rooms. Masonry party walls shift over time, floor framing varies, and structural elements often land exactly where a standard cabinet run would prefer they not.

Custom cabinet depths, integrated appliance panels, and clean, uninterrupted cabinet lines visually stretch the room from front to back. The result is a kitchen that feels calmer, brighter, and more intentional rather than crowded.

Cabinetry solutions diminish imperfections significantly. True custom cabinetry is measured, fabricated, and installed to precise tolerances. Rather than forcing symmetry, the cabinetry absorbs these irregularities so the finished space feels architectural and resolved. Both our Mobalco and J.THOM Signature cabinetry lines are built to the exact specifications of our design team.

expanding storage in Philly’s historic rowhouses

Rowhomes demand storage, but stacking cabinets to the ceiling without intention can quickly make a space feel heavy, especially in kitchens and primary suites. The J.THOM solution includes thoughtful vertical storage strategies, including furniture-style tall units and concealed pantries that provide exceptional function without overwhelming the room.

*Custom statement storage by J.THOM integrates a restored antique crockery in this Spruce Street mansion featured on Magnolia Network’s In With The Old.*

For those who saw our work featured on Magnolia Network’s In with the Old, you witnessed firsthand how we navigate these challenges in real historic homes.

In this Rittenhouse Square renovation, homeowners Margaux and Kevin Pelegrin entrusted our team with restoring a grand historic residence while adapting it for modern living. One of the kitchen’s defining elements was an original heirloom crockery, historically used as the workhorse of early 20th-century kitchens.

Jason Thompson, founder of J.THOM and lead designer Lauren Strain immediately recognized the crockery needed to remain and become the soul of the room.

While an antique specialist restored the original crockery frame, the J.THOM custom cabinetry team meticulously matched the patina, proportions, and character of the historic wood. New cabinetry was designed to complement the heirloom, creating a seamless transition between the home’s history and the performance expected of a J.THOM kitchen. Rather than standing apart as a museum piece, the crockery became fully integrated into the architecture of the room.

Rowhouse Kitchens: Where Custom Cabinetry Matters Most

Rowhouse kitchens often contend with leftover chimneys, tight circulation paths, and awkward transitions between original and renovated spaces. Our design team masterfully works with the architecture to find hidden storage spaces while creating a flow designed to specifically meet the way our client lives in the kitchen.

Founder and design director, Jason Thompson stated, ”When appliances disappear behind panel-ready fronts, the kitchen reads as part of the living space rather than a utility zone. This is essential in open-plan rowhomes. We embrace the history of the home and enhance its character with subtle lighting, bold statement pieces and most importantly, a footprint that is unique to the way the homeowner will live in the space.”

*Custom cabinetry with concealed appliances and waterfall island designed for a Philadelphia rowhome. View the full* *Society Hill Renovation* *project.*

Primary Suites and More

Upper-level rowhome bedrooms and rooftop access areas often lack square footage, but they offer ceiling height and wall continuity that custom cabinetry can fully leverage.

Wall-to-wall wardrobes increase storage dramatically when proportions are carefully controlled. At J.THOM, these pieces are designed to feel architectural rather than bulky, with clean elevations and intentional spacing. The storage shown on the first image below is an integration with the headboard in this design.

*Custom wardrobe cabinetry maximizing storage within a Philadelphia rowhome footprint.*

Front view of the custom wardrobe offers nooks and lighting for this beautiful home.

Fourth floor space incorporates a custom bar with brass detail designed by J.THOM.

Luxury Storage in Historic Primary Baths

Historic rowhome bathrooms present many of the same challenges as kitchens, including tight footprints, irregular walls, and limited storage opportunities.

Custom bath cabinetry allows linen storage, vanities, and concealed organization to be integrated without interrupting original architectural details. Finishes and proportions are selected to feel quiet and timeless, supporting the home’s character while delivering modern performance.

Custom made and imported from Spain, this Mobalco linen cabinet features a rail in bright orange.

Navigating the Complexities of Your Rowhome or Historic Remodel

Each of our historic neighborhood present their own preservation and spatial nuances. In these settings, true custom cabinetry and an experienced design team are essential. This is especially true in these areas:

Rittenhouse Square
Society Hill
Washington Square
Fitler Square
Graduate Hospital
Old City
The Main Line

We would love to talk with you about your home update or renovation. We encourage you to get in touch with our design team. After discussing your goals, we can model cabinetry solutions that work with your architecture before decisions become irreversible.