By Madison Duddy By Madison Duddy | February 10, 2025 | Home & Real Estate, Feature,
With Minima’s minimalist eye and The Laurel’s modern interiors, one unit became a sophisticated haven.Sleek, modern kitchen finishes pair perfectly with the Walter Knoll Saddle counter stools from Minima.
Situated on the northwest corner of Rittenhouse Square, The Laurel (thelaurelrittenhouse.com) is the epitome of luxury living in Philadelphia. When putting the finishing touches on a contemporary unit, the team found their perfect partnership: Minima (minima.us). The Old City design showroom, which serves as Minotti’s exclusive representative for the region, polished off spaces like the sumptuous unit 2903 with stunning furniture and accessories. “The sleek, refined, yet minimalistic furniture style was the perfect match for The Laurel’s modern architecture,” says Southern Land Company’s Brian Emmons. Eight months after the unit’s construction, Minima decorated and furnished the space. “Our goal is always to create something beautiful that initially seduces upon first meeting and then creates enduring emotions for many years to come,” notes Michael Schmick, who co-owns Minima with Eugenie Perret. “We like to imagine how the space can perform in many scenarios, from normal day-to-day life all the way to holiday entertaining. Often, the solutions reveal themselves through the process, and we then select the furnishings from our collections accordingly.”
Sprawling city views are the perfect backdrop for The Laurel’s modern interiors and Minima’s minimalist furniture.
Upon entering the two-bed, 2 ½-bath unit, a stylish Nomon mirror and console table set the tone for the home’s artistic, modern touches. Sleek Hyde Park dark oak finished floors by Carlisle Wide Plank Floors lead into the open-concept living, dining and kitchen area, where skyline views wow. “The sunset views from this residence are spectacular, and floor-to-ceiling windows on that side of the building make the experience even more breathtaking,” shares Emmons. Neutral tones and chic furnishings complete the ideal space for entertaining, including a Minotti Hamilton sofa, Minotti Belt armchairs and Minotti Jigger tables. Between the seating, find a Minotti Hope table and a CTO Lighting Array lamp, all facing the sleek built-in shelving and entertainment center. During the warmer months, homeowners can savor cocktails on the spacious outdoor patio before enjoying dinner at the oval-shaped Desalto Clay dining table. Plush Minotti Mills dining chairs surround the table, with a bespoke Bocci 28 series light fixture above featuring hand-blown glass bulbs.
The outdoor patio is a dream amenity during the warmer months.
Adjacent, the all-white kitchen with Calcutta quartz countertops by Daltile is a chef ’s paradise. Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, including a full-size wine fridge steam oven, sit nestled in high-gloss Polar White cabinets by Hans Krug. The generous waterfall island offers more than enough prep space, with Walter Knoll Saddle counter stools on one side for casual dining. More striking accents await on the home’s far end—especially in the primary suite. Breathtaking city views frame the space with minimalist pieces from Alivar. Tucked inside the suite are a spalike en suite and closets designed by Porro from Minima. Daltile wrapped the bathroom in full slab white porcelain walls with gray veining and marble tile floors. Completing the space are dual sinks with Fantini fixtures, lit mirrors, a deep soaking tub and a large glass shower. Following the home’s completion, there was no doubt Minima and The Laurel were an ideal match. “The response from both the sales team and their clients was tremendous, and, to our surprise, someone quickly decided to purchase the unit and all of the furnishing with it,” says Schmick. “Seeing the value of our design work, The Laurel asked Minima to furnish two more units almost immediately.”
Photography by: SHAWN MAY PHOTOGRAPHY