The definition of an “old soul” is someone who “embodies a sense of wisdom, calmness, and depth that often transcends one’s years. Old souls have a deep appreciation for history, tradition, and the simple, enduring values of life. They cherish meaningful connections, find joy in the little things, and often have a reflective, introspective nature. Old souls are drawn to timeless beauty, whether in art, literature, or architecture and often feel a profound connection to the past, finding comfort and inspiration in the stories and experiences of those who came before them.”
These are exactly the values you will find when you work with Old Soul Design Studio in West Chester. In fact, when asked to describe an old soul, owner Krystal Reinhard gave us the above description. Those are her words which she weaves into her showroom and each client’s project.
With nearly 25 years in the art and design industry, Reinhard has been nurturing her creativity since childhood. With a lineage that includes fine artists and tradespeople skilled in painting and carpentry, it was no wonder that she chose her profession. Artistry is in her blood. She graduated from the University of Vermont with an undergraduate degree in art and design and art education. She furthered her education at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art. Before pivoting to the interior design industry, Reinhard was the art department chair for a Main Line private school. Now she gets to share her artistry with her clients, helping them to develop spaces within their homes that are beautiful sanctuaries to retreat to in their busy lives.
Choosing an interior designer is very specific to individual tastes and needs. After an initial intake call, if Reinhard feels that the client-designer relationship is a good fit, she will schedule an onsite visit to meet one another and view their home. At the home, the design team takes detailed measurements and photos of the space. They discuss the issues the clients are facing and the ultimate goal of the project.
“Once a client signs with us, we enter an extensive research phase. During this phase, we learn about the client's likes and dislikes, how they function individually and as a family, and any special needs they may have. We consider details down to whether they are left- or right-handed and their height,” said Reinhard. “Our thorough, collaborative process ensures that our clients get their dream home and spaces that tell their unique stories.”
This collaborative process helps transform not only living spaces but also clients’ lives. Rooms and spaces that were once non-functional become central gathering spaces in the home. Rooms that were quiet and dark became the hub for group gatherings and entertaining. The potential is endless when it comes to interior design, which is invigorating for Reinhard and her team.
“We absolutely love designing spaces that transform our clients' lives. Our favorite projects are those that enhance functionality while preserving the unique stories and history of the home,” Reinhard stated. “Whether it's a cozy kitchen that brings the family together, a serene bedroom that offers a restful retreat, or a lively living room perfect for entertaining, we are passionate about creating spaces that not only improve the aesthetics of your home but also elevate your quality of life. Each project is a new opportunity to weave your personal narrative into the fabric of your living space, making every design truly one-of-a-kind.”
A few favorite projects she has recently worked on include an entry mudroom renovation and an unused formal living room project. The entry mudroom renovation relocated the clients’ laundry room to an unused bonus space on the second floor. They were then able to design the entry space to suit their busy lives by providing much-needed storage space with the design aesthetic they were craving. The unused formal living room was changed into a multipurpose space that the entire family could use. The family now uses the room as a place to do homework, work, read, and watch football together. It is now a space that the entire family can enjoy together, even the family dog! These changes have huge impacts on families' lives.
Old Soul Design Studio travels around the world throughout the year to various design shows to stay on top of the latest interior design trends and technologies. Reinhard takes these trends and integrates them into her Studio in ways that best reflect their ‘Old Soul’ values in today’s modern world. Some of the latest trends being incorporated into their designs include those that are: sustainable and eco-friendly (up-cycled materials, energy efficient, natural elements); maximalism (vibrant colors, rich textures, personal expression); multifunctional spaces (flexibility, compact living); vintage and retro aesthetics (mixing old past eras with new); technology integration (smart homes, home automation); wellness-oriented design (promote relaxation, mental wellness, non-toxic materials); and earthy tones and natural textures (warm, earthy color palettes, natural textures).
While the Studio incorporates these latest trends into their projects, Reinhard’s personality is woven into the process as well.
“I love incorporating moody, saturated colors that create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere,” said Reinhard. Textures and wall coverings add depth and personality to any space. I enjoy mixing metals to introduce a dynamic and modern touch, while antique and vintage pieces bring a sense of history and character. And, of course, original artworks are essential, as they infuse spaces with individuality and a unique artistic flair. Together, these elements help create environments that are both visually stunning and deeply personal.”
Having lived all over the country, Reinhard was happy to settle in West Chester to open her Studio. She finds the old charm of the area to be a great canvas to work within.
“West Chester offers the best of both worlds: it's a suburban area within easy reach of metropolitan centers like Philadelphia and New York City, where many of our design showrooms and partners are located. This accessibility, combined with the town's rich history and charm, makes West Chester an ideal home base for our business,” said Reinhard.
Prospective clients interested in having Reinhold and her team renovate their living spaces should not hesitate to contact the Studio. Furnishing projects are currently booked three months out while renovation and construction projects are booked six months out.
“We always advise clients to reach out at least three to six months before they’d like to start their project to ensure we can accommodate their timeline,” said Reinhold.
For a more immediate interior design change that may not need a full overhaul, Reinhold encourages folks to stop by their boutique showroom, which is open to the public from Friday to Sunday. The showroom offers the same curated collections that are sourced for their full-service clients. Inside, customers can find rugs, wallpaper, lighting, case goods, custom upholstery, original artwork, candles, accessories, and more. The Studio refreshes the goods seasonally and adds holiday decor in the fall. In addition to the showroom, the Vault, which is located in the same building and open one Saturday a month, offers customers the chance to browse the 1,500 square foot space to find antique and vintage pieces as well as floor samples that they have moved off the showroom floor.
As a first-generation American and female-founded company, Reinhard’s hard work does not go unnoticed. In addition to being the CEO, principal designer, and licensed general contractor for Old Soul Design firm, Reinhard is the president of the Interior Design Society Philadelphia Chapter, which she founded in October 2023, and is also a guest host for home and accessories on QVC. She is proud of all of the work and accolades Old Soul Design Studio has won over the years, including being nationally published.
Stop by and see what Old Soul Design Studio is all about in person. Old Soul Design Studio is located at 113 N. High St. in West Chester. You can contact them at (484) 999-8061 or by reaching out via their website https://oldsouldesignstudio.com.
We absolutely love designing spaces that transform our clients' lives. Our favorite projects are those that enhance functionality while preserving the unique stories and history of the home.
I love incorporating moody, saturated colors that create a dramatic and inviting atmosphere into my designs.