1150 Cross St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

A to-die-for renovation with great natural light and outdoor space on an ideal East Passyunk block–what more could you ask for? Notable designer J. Thom created a perfect blend of form and function with a smart use of space, upgrades galore and handpicked finishes. You can’t miss the wallpaper (so good it was written up in the Inquirer), dreamboat of a kitchen and spa-worthy bathroom, double argon casement windows and hardwired speakers, while high-velocity AC, zoned heating with radiant floors on the main level and beefed-up insulation are felt-but-not-seen upgrades. The first floor has ceramic wood-look floors that run from the front bay window, past the built-in bookshelves and record alcove with jungle print wallpaper and vintage jade porcelain light fixture, to the kitchen with sliders to the back deck. The expanded galley kitchen is its own study in good design. A Liebherr fridge, Miele dishwasher, Capital professional-grade range with oversize center wok burner, and quartz countertops with 33-inch Kohler Workstation sink are set in ample midnight blue custom cabinetry handmade in PA. One wall has a custom walnut dining butcher block peninsula set against a white field tile backsplash, textured floral wallpaper and wide window above a wax-sealed reclaimed barnwood shelf. The opposite side gets down to business with a full-wall stainless steel backsplash that runs behind the range, hood and open shelving. The super spacious rear deck is a natural extension of the living space, with hardwired sound and more than enough room for a full lounge set, grill and greenery. Upstairs there are two sunny bedrooms with crown molding, French oak floors, marble window sills and custom oak radiator covers. Behind a salvage church barn door is the full bath, which features two exposures, oversize ceramic tiles, a floating double vanity, built-in storage and a downright enormous walk-in shower with dual showerheads, pebble tile floor and room for a bench behind frameless glass. Immediately adjacent is the world’s sweetest combo half bath/laundry room with a white and yellow Randolph Morris cast iron wall-mount utility sink, crisp white beadboard with silver koi wallpaper above, and white penny tile floor–with Bosch frontloaders to boot. There’s additional living space for a guest room, media room or home office in the basement, where the front section has been stylishly finished with exposed beams, luxury vinyl flooring, and tons of built-in shelving; there’s plenty of room left for storage in the separate unfinished utility room. With Passyunk Ave at the foot of the block, you’re one minute away from the Singing Fountain, shopping and world-class dining, and since the house is situated on the opposite end, you retain the quiet residential street vibe. The L-shaped front steps, custom tree bench and room for a bistro set or glider out front set the stage for ultimate stoop hangs.