On a leafy stretch of South Philadelphia, Helena and Carlo created the kind of home that feels instantly lived-in in the best possible way. Tucked inside 📍1335 Reed Street, their house became a cozy backdrop for family life with their son Hugo: records spinning in the background, art collected over the years filling the walls, and sunlight pouring into a favorite south-facing room upstairs. Their style leans vintage and mid-century, but what truly defines the space is warmth. Craft projects on the table, music drifting from room to room, and the occasional knock-knock joke echoing through the house.
Life here quickly found its rhythm. Weekend mornings start with pastries at Mighty Bread, afternoons unfold at Columbus Square Park, and evenings often end on the back deck under string lights with the grill going and plants all around. It’s the kind of South Philly life that feels both vibrant and deeply rooted in community.
Now, as Helena, Carlo, and Hugo prepare for a new chapter and a move to Germany to be closer to family, they’re reflecting on the moments that made this house their home. Below, Helena and Carlo share the story of life at 1335 Reed Street in their own words.
Who lives here?
Helena, Carlo, and their son Hugo.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Cozy, vintage, mid-century.
If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
“Tomorrow Never Knows” by The Beatles. Revolver was probably the most played record in this house.
How would you describe your neighborhood?
Friendly, foodie, full of families, lots of foot traffic, and especially fun around Halloween and Christmas.
If your house were the setting for a movie remake, which would it be?
Father of the Bride, South Philly edition. A house to make memories in.
What was your non-negotiable when it came to finding your dream home?
Something lived-in with character, but with enough space for the whole family.
What’s your favorite room and why?
The second-floor south-facing room gets so much sunlight during the day. It’s wonderful all year long.
What is one thing you need in a home to make it yours?
Art that we’ve collected over the years.
What makes your family laugh?
Our son’s knock-knock jokes.
If you could throw a theme party in your house, what would the theme be?
Our last theme party was a birthday party for our son, and it was Orca-themed. So that!
Describe a perfect day in the neighborhood.
A perfect day begins at Mighty Bread, where we get the morning bun and their special weekend donuts. Then we head over to Columbus Square Park to relax at one of the tables and play. After that, we take a walk down Passyunk Avenue to the fountain where you can sit and people-watch. Finally, we end at Fountain & Porter for a beer or a glass of wine at Superette.
How has your home changed since move-in day?
We found space for our favorite activities like crafts, playing music, and a joint office space where we built custom furniture.
What’s your favorite memory of the house?
When Carlo finished our back deck and we BBQ’d out there for the first time on a perfect early summer evening under string lights and plants.
What led you to purchase a new home?
We’re moving back to Germany, where Carlo is from, to be closer to grandparents.
What’s your favorite piece of Philly culture?
We love how community-oriented it is. Neighbors and community members really make our local parks and schools so special.
Photography by Ryder Griffith
