On a charming stretch of Fairmount, Melissa created a home that feels joyful, expressive, and entirely her own.
Tucked inside 📍871 N 26th Street, the space reflects a warm sense of personality—artistic, eclectic, cozy, and welcoming. It’s the kind of home that feels layered over time, where every room holds intention and every update has been made to support the life unfolding inside it. Nothing overly precious, nothing performative. Just a house that has been deeply loved.
Music sets the tone here. If Melissa had to choose one song to play every time she walked into a room, it would be Mr. Blue Sky by ELO—which feels fitting for a home filled with brightness and optimism. And then there’s Moose, her beloved dog, helping keep life playful and full of motion.
Life here moves easily with the neighborhood. Fairmount offers the best of city living with a true sense of community—tree-lined blocks, lovely neighbors, dogs on every corner, and the kind of everyday warmth that makes a place feel special. It’s a neighborhood where people know each other, stop to chat, and settle in for the long term.
Over time, Melissa has shaped the home to better reflect how she lives. Rooms have been refreshed, spaces reimagined, and thoughtful improvements layered in along the way. At the center of it all is the kitchen, inspired by a Pennsylvania farmhouse retreat in the mountains. With its welcoming breakfast nook and generous layout, it has hosted everything from quiet mornings to major family celebrations.
At its core, this has always been a home to gather in. Dinner parties, themed celebrations, overnight guests, birthdays, and spontaneous evenings with friends have all found their place here. It’s a house built for connection, laughter, and making memories.
Most of all, this home marked the beginning of something new. Purchased during a pivotal chapter in Melissa’s life, it became more than a place to live—it became a symbol of possibility, reinvention, and joy.
Now, it’s ready for its next chapter.
Below, Melissa shares more about life at 871 N 26th Street in her own words.
Who lives here?
Melissa and her dog, Moose.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
Artistic, eclectic, cozy, welcoming.
If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
Mr. Blue Sky by ELO.
How would you describe your neighborhood?
Full of babies and dogs. Lovely people. Quiet.
If your house were the setting for a movie remake, which would it be?
Babette’s Feast.
What was your non-negotiable when it came to finding your dream home?
Size. I wanted a home where I could entertain and host family and friends for parties and overnight stays.
What’s your favorite room and why?
The kitchen. It’s my dream space—designed after a Pennsylvania farmhouse kitchen with a cozy breakfast nook and room for big celebrations.
What is one thing you need in a home to make it yours?
Art, large dining table, cooking supplies.
What makes you laugh?
The number of times Moose sits by the door as if he has to go out, then changes his mind. His dramatic toy-dragging entrances. All of it.
If you could throw a theme party in your house, what would the theme be?
Hard to choose—I’ve hosted many. Christmas Eve brunch, dinner for creatives, game night, birthdays, Friendsgiving, and more.
Describe a perfect day in the neighborhood.
Lucky Goat, Klein’s, Whole Foods.
How has your home changed since move-in day?
It has become more beautiful and happy. Everyone loves my house and so do I.
What’s your favorite memory of the house?
The day I did the walk-through and realized it was mine. And repainting every room myself as a Father’s Day surprise.
What’s the catalyst to you purchasing a new home?
I was starting a new chapter in life. I wanted to believe life could be beautiful again.
