Pelham House by TBo
Photographer
Kate S. Jordan
Pelham House, located in Westchester, New York, is a serene and refined residence reimagined by design studio TBo. At the center of this thoughtfully restored 1910s Mediterranean home lies a striking pale green quartzite kitchen island, where light flows across its surface like water over stone—a poetic moment that encapsulates the studio’s approach to the project. Here, demolition becomes an act of renewal, and architectural gestures create immersive, meaningful experiences.
The kitchen island, carved from a soft green-hued quartzite, is both sculptural and practical—a focal point around which daily life orbits. TBo envisioned it as a gathering hub for cooking, connection, and community, recognizing the evolving role of the kitchen as a contemporary home’s social heart.
This sensitivity to time and transformation is evident throughout the home. Previous renovations had left a fragmented layout, turning the space into a series of dark, disconnected rooms. TBo’s redesign takes a bolder yet respectful path—removing internal partitions in communal areas and reclaiming space behind the stair core to restore the home’s original sense of openness, while adapting it to modern living.
Materiality plays a key role in the narrative. Floor-to-ceiling plasterwork and finely crafted millwork evoke age-old building traditions, while elements like the inglenook—a historic hearth feature—show how timeless design can still meet today’s needs. The diagonally laid, character-grade white oak flooring with decorative banding pays homage to heritage techniques while supporting the home’s new spatial rhythm.
Furnishings echo this balance of past and present. A caramel-toned Kvadrat wool sofa from &Tradition sits beside a reupholstered vintage Alky chair in textured Pierre Frey chenille. Nearby, a custom douglas fir coffee table and an oiled oak Frama chair contribute to a dialogue between eras—where handcrafted objects create a layered and timeless atmosphere.
