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Michelle Gage’s home in Havertown, Pennsylvania, combines vintage finds, expressive artwork, and distinctive details. Located just outside Philadelphia, the house reflects a thoughtful renovation approach: make the most of the home’s original character, then personalize each space over time.
How Michelle Gage Found Her Havertown Home
Gage and her husband began house hunting in the summer of 2013, about a year after graduating from college. They had lived in the area for more than a year but were still deciding which neighborhood would feel right. A recently renovated house initially seemed like a strong option, but they realized they wanted the chance to customize their home themselves.
After pausing the search for several months, they visited a property on a snowy Saturday in February. The house needed work, but its underlying structure and potential made a strong impression. For anyone searching for a home to renovate, it can help to look beyond dated finishes and consider whether the layout and basic features suit your needs.
Collected Finds and Art in the Living Room
The living room is one of the brightest areas of the house and a showcase for pieces collected over time. Gage values the stories attached to the furniture and objects, many of which came from trips taken with her husband to thrift shops, flea markets, and other secondhand sources. Choosing items gradually can help a room feel personal rather than assembled all at once.
Patterned pillows soften the visual impact of the statement sofa. The couple also replaced a large bench with two painted end tables positioned beside one another. The change opened up the area in front of the sofa while keeping useful surfaces within reach. When a room feels crowded, trying smaller movable pieces can be an easy way to test a more open arrangement.
A Bright, Customized Kitchen
The kitchen is a favorite part of the house and was renovated after the couple had lived with the original space for nearly two years. They completed the work themselves, which allowed them to put more of their budget toward selected details. White cabinets create a light backdrop, while brushed brass hardware adds contrast. A custom backsplash inspired by ocean waves brings color and movement into the room.
The dining table for two was made by Gage’s husband using wood found at a garage sale, and the chairs complete the compact eating area. The original kitchen required a full gut renovation. Their experience is a reminder to plan carefully for essential services during a remodel; living without a kitchen sink made the project especially challenging.
Personal Touches Throughout the House
Wallpaper adds character to the home. In the entryway, a previously neglected table from Gage’s parents’ basement found a new purpose. Its teal legs were still intact, and its proportions suited the space. Repurposing an existing piece can add personality without requiring a new purchase.
Gage favors art and objects that feel meaningful rather than generic. The home contains more than 200 pieces of art, gathered from places such as thrift stores, estate sales, and flea markets. Portraits are a particular favorite, including oil paintings of people she does not know. A practical way to build a collection is to choose work that genuinely appeals to you and arrange it gradually, rather than trying to fill every wall at once.
An Evolving Home with Michelle Gage’s Style
The rooms continue to change as new secondhand finds come home and existing pieces are rearranged. The living room, in particular, is frequently updated because it holds a large collection of furniture and art. Wallpaper and wall displays help make use of available space, while regular editing keeps the arrangement flexible.
The Michelle Gage home shows how a space can develop through renovation, resourceful reuse, and personal collecting. For a similar result, start with pieces you already love, consider how each room is used, and make changes in stages so the home remains practical as well as individual.
Author: Michelle Gage. Photography: Kyle Born. Kitchen, powder room, and swan wallpaper: Homepolish.
