Designing An Ultra Chic And Functional Pied-à-terre
A pied-à-terre is a French phrase that, by literal translation, means "foot on ground." Popular in metropolitan areas, a pied-à-terre is like a home away from home in the city — a second, smaller residence that typically serves for short-term business stays and weekend get-aways, like this recent undertaking in Rittenhouse Square designed by Stella Ludwig Interiors. This style of property is increasing in popularity and serves a distinct, niche market, including busy executives and international families alike. Here are some of the top considerations when designing a pied-à-terre to call your own.
As A Second Residence, A Pied-à-terre Should Be Practical.
While refined style is of utmost importance, there are some practical elements that are essential and unique to a pied-à-terre. Planning a functional spatial design is key and should be the first priority when working with an interior designer. Since space is limited, an open layout is ideal, with careful attention to material selection. As a second home, low-maintenance options, such as hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring, are advised. Unlike a primary residence, the kitchen is not a major concern in a pied-à-terre. Therefore, expensive appliances are an unnecessary expense. This practical philosophy carries over to the bathroom, where a focus on style and function is more important than an excessive amount of luxury.
When Furnishing, Keep The Purpose Of Your Pied-à-terre In Mind.
If you are a regular business traveler who splits time between home and office, a pied-à-terre can simplify and shorten a lengthy commute as well as offer a quiet space to complete projects. In this case, planning a desk within your spatial design is a necessity, as well as storage space for work files and other items you wish to tuck away. As a place to sleep while attending conferences, the theater, museums, special city performances, and dining during the weekends, a comfortable sofa bed or Murphy bed works well for spaces with a small and intimate footprint and can help to complement the rest of your décor.
A Pied-à-terre Should Also Be A Beautiful Living Space.
When collaborating on your refined spatial design, think about the kind of mood you wish to establish with your decorative choices. If your goal is to create a vacation getaway, descriptive words like inviting, relaxing, and pleasant come to mind, while sleek, clean and inspired are fitting for a workspace. In either scenario, the overall aesthetic should be tailored to your unique taste as well as suit your lifestyle and personal vibe. In short, such spaces should always reflect harmony, as well as your love and passions.
At Stella Ludwig Interiors, our goal is to create spaces that do just that — whether you are looking for a sleek and sexy pied-a-terre, a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, a calm suburban home, or a sophisticated bachelor pad. Contact us for help with all your high-end spatial design needs, and schedule a free 15 minute consultation.
Stella Ludwig Interiors is an award-winning boutique design firm specializing in high-end residential design. Located in the historic Rittenhouse Square area, we service discerning professional clients, empty nesters, and busy executives, as well as international families living in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. We are known for creating distinctive interiors that exude elegance with style and panache, and feel privileged to work in an ever-changing creative industry that allows us to use our experience and talents to bring joy to those we serve. Stella Ludwig Interiors projects and ideas have been featured in Architectural Digest, Philly+Home Design Magazine, Philadelphia Style, Philadelphia & Suburban Life Magazine, Bucks House & Home, Kravet Design Share, and Real Estate and Design Industry Blogs.