Campli Photography
Home Style Experts to the Rescue
Fall is in the air and we are welcoming the cooler temperatures. Soon we will trade the pools for pumpkin patches and beaches for leaf piles. We might complain about the summer heat, but isn't it great to live in an area with four seasons?
Now that the kids are back in school, it's time to look around the house at all the projects you didn't have time for during the busy summer months. Did that DIY home project you started in June make it past the first day? Do you have a kitchen in disrepair begging for some help from a professional? Did your family live in one room this summer and leave the rest of the house unoccupied? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to seek some professional support! Lucky for you, this month we are highlighting two of West Chester's top design experts. For your interior home needs, Old Soul Design Studio can save the day. Read on to learn about Krystal Reinhard and her award-winning design studio. If the exterior of your home is in need of some TLC, give Mike and Mark Chapman a call at Chapman Windows Doors & Siding. They will help you increase your curb appeal and lower your stress level in the process!
Thanks for reading!
DOUGLAS MCDERMOTT, PUBLISHER
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Douglas Mcdermott douglas.mcdermott@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jamie Agamalian | jamie.agamalian@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Justin James Muir, Meghan Balcom, Brian Wetzel, Rebecca McAlpin
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Branden Cooper
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
inside the issue
GIVE YOUR HOME AN EXTERIOR STYLE MAKEOVER WITH CHAPMAN!
Curb Appeal
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAPMAN WINDOWS DOORS & SIDING
Windows, doors, and
the
“siding can completely transform
look and feel of your home!
For the past 30 years, Chapman Windows Doors and Siding has been bringing style to your home’s exterior. From siding replacements and upgrades to new doors and windows, Chapman has been helping homeowners up their curb appeal while taking away the stress of the situation.
Known as the go-to company for exterior work in Chester County, Chapman Windows Doors and Siding can transform the exterior of your home with just one phone call. Carrying the widest selection of manufacturers in the tri-county area, Chapman can truly customize and create a look to match what the customer is envisioning at a price point that is comfortable for them. They do all of this with products they feel are of the highest quality in the industry.
“Windows, doors, and siding can completely transform the look and feel of your home, both externally and internally,” said President Mike Chapman. “We undertake a lot of open and closing wall work, and especially open wall work. This involves removing walls and replacing them with larger windows or doors, which can really change the look and feel of a room by flooding it with more light and increasing the connection with the outside.”
When asked about current home trends, Chapman stated that black window frames are a huge industry trend right now. They create a huge “wow factor” for your home. He also added that the beauty of windows is that they are customizable to match your style and aesthetic both inside and outside. Chapman is also
seeing many customers opt for lighter wood tones in their homes. Another trend growing in popularity is switchable privacy glass. As technology improves, more people are moving away from blinds for a cleaner interior space.
Locally, the company is seeing a lot of stucco remediation work. This is due to the way the stucco was applied in the 1990s. Many of these clients are now choosing to replace the stucco with vinyl siding or fiber cement siding, which can last up to 50 years!
“When replacing your stucco or current siding with new siding you really have the opportunity to change the look of your home’s exterior and with it your curb appeal,” said Chapman. “For instance, James Hardie fiber cement not only offers three different collections each with a different look, but within each of those there are different textures, thicknesses, and colors. The options really are limitless. Especially when you mix in a combination of siding and cladding.”
When do you know if it is time to replace your windows, doors, or siding? According to Chapman, once they start approaching 20 years it is time to think about replacing them. While they can last longer, Chapman says it’s good to keep a lookout for signs of rot and general wear and tear.
“When windows and doors are no longer working properly, or they become comprised and leaking then you know it’s time to replace,” said Chapman. “For siding, look for signs of rot, warping, cracking, and discoloration.”
We take a very collaborative approach, and we bespoke the process to the individual. “ ”
Owners Mike and Mark Chapman are no strangers to this industry. They were born into a construction family and by the time they were teenagers, the Chapman brothers had worked on countless projects. With their family roots in Ohio, the Chapmans moved to Chester County in the 1980s. In 1994, Mike teamed up with his father-in-law Jim Reddecliff, and began Chapman Windows Doors and Siding.
“Our passion for excellence helped us grow quickly and my brother Mark joined in 1997. Jim has long since retired. Mark and I have created a strong team who believes and works to what we call ‘The Chapman Difference,” which is a set of core values that underpin everything we do here,” said Chapman.
These core values are seen in everything at Chapman. From customer relationships to supplier relationships, the core values in “The Chapman Difference” are the reason why their company, which has approximately 50 employees, continues to be so successful. It is also what sets them apart from other home exterior companies in the area.
“60% of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals. This is because we live by ‘The Chapman Difference’ and our mission, which is to educate, inspire, empower, and collaborate with customers on the remodeling of their home exterior while providing quality workmanship, products, and services,” said Chapman. CONTINUED
This collaboration is what takes a vision to a reality. Instead of just selling customers a product, the employees at Chapman take the time to listen to what the customer wants. They use their industry knowledge to guide the customers to what they believe is the best option for their project. They feel that every project should be tailored to the individual. There is no cookie-cutter approach at Chapman.
“We take a very collaborative approach, and we bespoke the process to the individual,” said Chapman. “Some people like to come into our 4,000 square foot showroom to see and touch some of the products we offer, while others want us to come and measure straight away. We can be on the property measuring that same week.”
Customization is key at Chapman. They have their own paint and stain department to allow customers to use custom paint colors for their homes. They also have their own in-house service and warranty department and a 10-year workmanship guarantee. The in-house
service and warranty department takes away the hassle of the customer dealing with warranty claims. Instead, Chapman deals with the manufacturers themselves if a problem arises. This is also another way that Chapman stands out in the industry! They take pride in their level of work and customer service!
Chapman is not only dedicated to their business but they are also dedicated to the West Chester community. This past year they undertook a community marketing campaign with both Rustin and Henderson High Schools. They collect yearly for Toys for Tots and The Chester County Food Bank. At their 30th anniversary event, they raised money for the Gary Sinise Foundation. Mike and his son are also volunteer firefighters.
“We are always looking for ways to do more in the community,” said Chapman.
If you’re ready to level up the style of your home’s exterior, reach out to Chapman Windows Doors and Siding. They are ready to bring your vision to a reality. The website is https://chapmanwindowsdoors.com
Dedicated
“Old Soul” Style
West Chester's Old Soul Design Studio transforms lives one room at a time
ARTICLE BY JAMIE AGAMALIAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN JAMES MUIR, MEGHAN BALCOM, BRIAN WETZEL AND REBECCA MCALPIN
Photographer: Meghan Balcom
The definition of an “old soul” is someone who “embodies a sense of wisdom, calmness, and depth that often transcends one’s years. Old souls have a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and the simple, enduring values of life. They cherish meaningful connections, find joy in the little things, and often have a reflective, introspective nature. Old souls are drawn to timeless beauty, whether in art, literature, or architecture and often feel a profound connection to the past, finding comfort and inspiration in the stories and experiences of those who came before them.”
Photographer: Justin James Muir
These are exactly the values you will find when you work with Old Soul Design Studio in West Chester. In fact, when asked to describe an old soul, owner Krystal Reinhard gave us the above description. Those are her words which she weaves into her showroom and each client’s project.
With nearly 25 years in the art and design industry, Reinhard has been nurturing her creativity since childhood. With a lineage that includes fine artists and tradespeople skilled in painting and carpentry, it was no wonder that she chose her profession. Artistry is in her blood. She graduated from the University of Vermont with an undergraduate degree in art and design and art education. She furthered her education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Before pivoting to the interior design industry, Reinhard was the art department chair for a Main Line private school. Now she gets to share her artistry with her clients, helping them to develop spaces within their homes that are beautiful sanctuaries to retreat to in their busy lives.
Photographer: Meghan Balcom
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
Photographer: Meghan Balcom
Choosing an interior designer is very specific to individual tastes and needs. After an initial intake call, if Reinhard feels that the client-designer relationship is a good fit, she will schedule an onsite visit to meet one another and view their home. At the home, the design team takes detailed measurements and photos of the space. They discuss the issues the clients are facing and the ultimate goal of the project.
“Once a client signs with us, we enter an extensive research phase. During this phase, we learn about the client's likes and dislikes, how they function individually and as a family, and any special needs they may have. We consider details down to whether they are left- or right-handed and their height,” said Reinhard. “Our thorough, collaborative process ensures that our clients get their dream home and spaces that tell their unique stories.”
This collaborative process helps transform not only living spaces but also clients’ lives. Rooms and spaces that were once non-functional become central gathering spaces in the home. Rooms that were quiet and dark became the hub for group gatherings and entertaining. The potential is endless when it comes to interior design, which is invigorating for Reinhard and her team.
“We absolutely love designing spaces that transform our clients' lives. Our favorite projects are those that enhance functionality while preserving the unique stories and history of the home,” Reinhard stated. “Whether it's a cozy kitchen that brings the family together, a serene bedroom that offers a restful retreat, or a lively living room perfect for entertaining, we are passionate about creating spaces that not only improve the aesthetics of your home but also elevate your quality of life. Each project is a new opportunity to weave your personal narrative into the fabric of your living space, making every design truly one-of-a-kind.”
“We absolutely love designing spaces that transform our clients' lives. Our favorite projects are those that enhance functionality while preserving the unique stories and history of the home.”
A few favorite projects she has recently worked on include an entry mudroom renovation and an unused formal living room project. The entry mudroom renovation relocated the clients’ laundry room to an unused bonus space on the second floor. They were then able to design the entry space to suit their busy lives by providing muchneeded storage space with the design aesthetic they were craving. The unused formal living room was changed into a multipurpose space that the entire family could use. The family now uses the room as a place to do homework, work, read, and watch football together. It is now a space that the entire family can enjoy together, even the family dog! These changes have huge impacts on families' lives.
CONTINUED >
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
Old Soul Design Studio travels around the world throughout the year to various design shows to stay on top of the latest interior design trends and technologies. Reinhard takes these trends and integrates them into her Studio in ways that best reflect their ‘Old Soul’ values in today’s modern world. Some of the latest trends being incorporated into their designs include those that are: sustainable and eco-friendly (up-cycled materials, energy efficient, natural elements); maximalism (vibrant colors, rich textures, personal expression); multifunctional spaces (flexibility, compact living); vintage and retro aesthetics (mixing old past eras with new); technology integration (smart homes, home automation); wellness-oriented design (promote relaxation, mental wellness, non-toxic materials); and earthy tones and natural textures (warm, earthy color palettes, natural textures).
While the Studio incorporates these latest trends into their projects, Reinhard’s personality is woven into the process as well.
“I love incorporating moody, saturated colors that create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere,” said Reinhard. Textures and wall coverings add depth and personality to any space. I enjoy mixing metals to introduce a dynamic and modern touch, while antique and vintage pieces bring a sense of history and character. And, of course, original artworks are essential, as they infuse spaces with individuality and a unique artistic flair. Together, these elements help create environments that are both visually stunning and deeply personal.”
Having lived all over the country, Reinhard was happy to settle in West Chester to open her Studio. She finds the old charm of the area to be a great canvas to work within.
“West Chester offers the best of both worlds: it's a suburban area within easy reach of metropolitan centers like Philadelphia and New York City, where many of our design showrooms and partners are located. This accessibility, combined with the town's rich history and charm, makes West Chester an ideal home base for our business,” said Reinhard.
Prospective clients interested in having Reinhard and her team renovate their living spaces should not hesitate to contact the Studio. Furnishing projects are currently booked three months out while renovation and construction projects are booked six months out.
“We always advise clients to reach out at least three to six months before they’d like to start their project to ensure we can accommodate their timeline,” said Reinhard.
“I love incorporating moody, saturated colors that create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere into my designs.”
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
Photographer: Meghan Balcom
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
For a more immediate interior design change that may not need a full overhaul, Reinhard encourages folks to stop by their boutique showroom, which is open to the public from Friday to Sunday. The showroom offers the same curated collections that are sourced for their full-service clients. Inside, customers can find rugs, wallpaper, lighting, case goods, custom upholstery, original artwork, candles, accessories, and more. The Studio refreshes the goods seasonally and adds holiday decor in the fall. In addition to the showroom, the Vault, which is located in the same building and open one Saturday a month, offers customers the chance to browse the 1,500 square foot space to find antique and vintage pieces as well as floor samples that they have moved off the showroom floor.
As a first-generation American and female-founded company, Reinhard’s hard work does not go unnoticed. In addition to being the CEO, principal designer, and licensed general contractor for Old Soul Design firm, Reinhard is the president of the Interior Design Society Philadelphia Chapter, which she founded in October 2023, and is also a guest host for home and accessories on QVC. She is proud of all of the work and accolades Old Soul Design Studio has won over the years, including being nationally published. Stop by and see what Old Soul Design Studio is all about in person. Old Soul Design Studio is located at 113 N. High St. in West Chester. You can contact them at (484) 999-8061 or by reaching out via their website https://oldsouldesignstudio.com
Photographer: Brian Wetzel
YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING
hacks HAIR
Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!
reverse
fishtail braids
ARTICLE BY ABBI SULASKI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER
Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.
simpleupdo
Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long
Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.
photo: Rhinehart Photography
events
SEPTEMBER 6TH
Open Studio at Ginkgo Arts
Ginkgo Art Studio - 21 South High Street | 5:00 PM
Stop by the Open Studio at Ginkgo Arts from 5pm-8pm. See work of local resident artists, including abstract, impressionistic, realistic, fashion and fabric arts, and stained glass. Meet the artists and enjoy some artwork during the evening. Snacks and beverages are provided.
SEPTEMBER 7TH
WC East US Bands Marching Band Competition - Clinic Event
West Chester East High School | 1:00 PM
High school marching bands from across the region showcase their half-time shows for the school year. This is a clinic event, which gives bands their first performance of the season. This event is open to the public. Come out and support our local high school musicians!
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Candice Guardino - Italian Bred Theatrical Comedy
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center - West Chester | 7:30 PM
Within this Theatrical Comedy, Candice Guardino slips in & out of her family impersonations as she cooks up a full meal of growing up in Staten Island. The stories in “Italian Bred” are derived from Candice’s real childhood experiences. She recounts her upbringing by impersonating her family’s unique personalities, singing iconic music tunes, and interacting with virtual celebrity cameos.
SEPTEMBER 14TH
Up on the Roof
Chestnut Street Garage | 5:00 PM
The rooftop of the Chestnut Street Garage will transform into a unique venue with music and dining. Enjoy appetizers from Limoncello and John Serock Catering, desserts from some of West Chester’s favorite sweet shops, complimentary beer from local breweries, plus wine and the always-popular Rooftop Martini! Tickets are availble for purchase.
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Rustin High School US Bands Marching Band Competition
Rustin High School | 3:00 PM
High school marching bands from across the region showcase their half-time shows for the school year. This event is open to the public. Come out and support our local high school musicians!
SEPTEMBER 29TH
Fall Foliage Express - West Chester Railroad
230 E Market Street | 10:00 AM
Enjoy a brisk fall train ride along the picturesque Chester Creek Valley from our heated train as we take you on a journey back in time to the village of Glen Mills and return. You'll see Chester and Deleware County in full fall splendor!
