This historic house located off Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia was originally built in 1864 but underwent several later transformations. The more noteworthy was a 1931 renovation during which a Solarium with Texas shell stone walls and floors, Art Deco paneling by an important group of Italian craftsmen, and elaborate marble bathrooms were added. Still later in the 1970's, the house was subdivided and used as offices, but luckily many of its special features survived. Enjoying the juxtaposition of periods and elements, our clients decided to return the house to a single residence and keep all the remarkable layers in tact, starting from the original Victorian period design all the way through to the modern era alterations. Our clients possessed an interesting collection of Italian, French and Scandinavian antiques that fit in well with the idiosyncratic setting. They also had a gifted eye for quirky details and enjoyed combining things in unexpected ways. A prime example is the dining room where an array of Italian and French pieces, including an Empire chandelier and NeoClassic marquetry commodes and chairs are matched with a modern blue lacquered Parsons style dining table. It is a surprising contrast but one that succeeds because of the table's simple architecture and the echoing of the blue color of the floors in the adjacent entry hall. The house is filled with eye catching combinations and great wit. Such touches include a pair of modern "doily" chairs placed before a paisley woodblock print wallpaper in the Master Bedroom, both evoking the feeling of lace and intricate pattern work. Another is the clever placement of a pair of gothic high back chairs against spare white walls in the stair hall which serves to highlight their ornate and bold character. The accumulation of such details serves to mirror the architecture, where period features and unusual elements create layers of interest, and brings the idea full circle.