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BVH | 2024 1 5(TOP) COURTESY OF AIRY KITCHENS (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF PORTER DESIGN GROUPRETRO REFRESHA pair of West Chester homeowners loved the history of their original 1920s Art Deco bathroom, but the cracked pink tile was too far gone to revive, and the space felt dark. They envisioned a new bath with classic black-and-white tile%u2014one that%u00a0offers%u00a0a luxe hotel vibe without sacrificing the vintage feel. Sean Lewis, creative director at Philadelphia%u2019s Airy Kitchens, conceived a design that felt at home in an older house by referencing Art Deco details and modern materials. The white tile on the walls has black accents, and geometric floor tiles deliver an unexpected visual punch. A cramped stall shower was replaced with a custom glass enclosure to%u00a0create a bigger, brighter space. The brass sink fixtures, sconces and mirror frame provide the bling factor homeowners were looking for.In reimagining a vintage room, Lewis encourages clients to consider the age of the home and create a space that fits the time period without making it look like a museum. %u201cDon%u2019t be afraid to mix new and old details for a retro look that stays current,%u201d he says.Airy Kitchens 88 W. Johnson St., Philadelphia, (215) 853-6060, airykitchens.com LET THERE BE LIGHTGood lighting sets the mood for romance, helps us read without straining our eyes and keeps us from stubbing our toes. %u201cI always say lighting%u00a0is the single most important element in making your house feel like a home,%u201d says Inci Porter of Porter Design Group in Chadds Ford.When incorporating LED lighting, Porter opts for 2700K bulbs that offer a warmer, cozier glow than the 5000K variety.%u00a0But a thoughtful home-lighting scenario is about more than wattage. For a home in Chadds Ford, Porter eliminated%u00a0the recessed ceiling lights in the family room. She added Venetian plaster%u2014prized for its translucent quality%u2014to the ceiling to%u00a0help carry the diffused illumination from LED%u00a0fixtures hidden in the cove molding.%u00a0%u201cThe Venetian plaster not only optimizes%u00a0lighting%u00a0in this space%u2014it adds a contemporary element that the homeowners fell in love with,%u201d she says. %u201cWe introduced beautiful, substantial lamps with linen shades on the updated English sideboard, as well.%u201d Elsewhere in the home, simple wall sconces add a softer element%u00a0while further minimizing recessed lights.%u00a0%u201cWe%u2019re obsessed with%u00a0lighting%u00a0and love working with clients who appreciate its importance,%u201d Porter says.Porter Design GroupChadds Ford, (919) 637-1988, porterdesigngrp.com