Schoolhouse Visits a Parisian-Inspired Pennsylvania Home Full of Thoughtful Touches

When Abby Kulp first stepped into her Allentown, Pennsylvania home, it didn’t immediately feel like the perfect fit. Gray carpet covered the floors, the kitchen was outdated, and most of the rooms felt stuck in another era. But with a tight budget and a need for more room for her growing family, she gave the space a second look—and a lot of imagination. “I’ve really grown to love this home with each update and creative project,” she says.

Four years later, the house is a testament to her determination and creativity. Drawing inspiration from English cottages and romantic Parisian influences, Abby curated a collected, inviting home with a light and airy feel, plus handcrafted furniture and custom built-ins. Her design style is an inviting mix of organic textures, traditional touches, and artistic craftsmanship, creating a serene space that feels both warm and practical.

Below, Abby shares how she transformed a home full of potential into a cozy, welcoming space filled with personal charm—and the Schoolhouse pieces that helped bring her vision to life.

Tell us the story about how you found your home—what drew you to it?

My previous home had been sitting on the market for over a year. My husband at the time and I were looking for homes in the area because with five children, we had run out of room in our little town house. Our budget was pretty tight, so we were on the hunt for a fixer upper. When we first toured the home, I actually hated it. It was very outdated with gray carpet everywhere I turned, and every single space was in need of an update. Then I went back for a second look, keeping my mind open to the possibilities this home could have. Four years later, here we are! I’ve really grown to love this home with each creative project.

Describe your personal style, and how it’s reflected in your home.

My personal style is “organic meets Parisian meets traditional with artisan touches”? I really love nature and hand-crafted design, and I think that that’s reflected in my home with hand-painted floors and beautiful wood tones, along with a number of furniture pieces and custom built-ins that I’ve made myself over the years.

Are there any design eras that inspired your home?

It’s definitely changed over time, but right now the oh-so-charming English cottage and romantic Parisian designs have impacted my style a lot.

What is your favorite detail of your home?

By far the marble floor transitions that go into the laundry room and half-bath. There’s just something about them!

Did you renovate? If so, what did you learn from the process?

Yes, yes, and more yes. A lot of renovating has happened since moving in. I have learned so much from the process. It always takes double the time and money than I usually think it will, but I always look for budget-friendly ways to create high end looks. Oftentimes, since I DIY’d most of the renovations myself, I end up needing supplies that I didn’t know I needed at first or there have been times where starting one project leads into another one I wasn’t expecting.

Which change to your home makes you the happiest?

Painting the house (the brick and siding), building custom shutters, and painting my front door and garage doors to look like wood were the best things I ever did. It completely freshened up the look of the home and gave it the warm and inviting cottage feel I was after.

What is your best memory of living in your home?

Christmas mornings, when all the presents are opened and there are piles of wrapping paper in the family room. All of the kids jump into the pile and I snap a photo from the upstairs hallway that looks down onto the family room. It’s always such a great moment and memory to have.

What Schoolhouse pieces feel the most at home in your space, and why?

The Fran Sconces next to my bed, it’s like they were just made for that space. Also, the Somerset Knobs on the custom vanity I built in the kid’s bath are the cherry on top. They add a sophisticated touch. Oh, and the Cylinder Stone Side Table! It’s not only a stunning focal point, but absolutely indestructible for my busy home with five kiddos. Honestly I could go on and on about each Schoolhouse piece I have—the table and floor lamps also have so much personality! It makes each space truly shine, and brings out the fun yet sophisticated vibes I’m always after.