Salon chain owner Philip Pelusi lives comes home to converted South Side church
Romantic. Soft. Colorful.
These words rarely describe an old church, but hairstyling magnate Philip Pelusi's home -- a converted Serbian Orthodox Church in the heart of the South Side -- is that and more.
From the outside, the red brick church on South 16th Street is nearly indistinguishable from others that dot the slopes and flats in this artsy city neighborhood. Step inside, though, where the surroundings are a muted blend of historic and modern, and the feeling is warm and sensual -- not unlike the hairstyles Pelusi has been creating for his Pittsburgh clientele for almost three decades.
Pelusi, who isn't ashamed to tell you he never finished high school, has 13 styling salons in the metropolitan area.
Raised in Bloomfield, he attended grade school at St. Joseph's Church of the Immaculate Conception.
After graduating from the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, Pelusi opened his first salon on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill in the 1970s. He is working to nationally distribute his line of hair and body care products and cosmetics. "It's growing faster than I can keep up," he says of the business.
Looking to expand in the early 1990s, Pelusi bought the church, previously owned by photographer Jay Verno, in 1992 for $255,000. Verno had begun transforming the former house of worship into a residence and photo studio in 1986.
"He let me use it a couple of times for photo shoots, and I just loved it," Pelusi says. "He was looking for a larger space, so it worked out for both of us."
Although most of the major structural alterations had been completed, Pelusi has spent an additional $100,000 redecorating and making the place his own. "I came in and did some updating and renovating to suit my own needs and tastes. But the layout was pretty much the same as it is now."
Pelusi worked with local interior designer Charles Stern to complete the modern minimalist look. "I told him what I wanted, and he helped me with fabrics and colors."
On the first floor, colors such as violet, silver and a warm "butter" on the walls complement the original stained glass windows. "I love the windows," Pelusi says, gazing upward. "They allow light to come in, but it's diffused."
In the living room, plush purple velvet draperies line the back wall behind three large prints reminiscent of Andy Warhol. Guests can lounge on comfortable sofas and chairs in bright colors of red, yellow and green; the original oak floor has been sanded and bleached to brighten the space.
In keeping with the sacred heritage of the structure, the focal point of the living room is an ethereal fireplace adorned with an angelic mural hand-painted by Pittsburgh artist Jennifer Remple.
A loft above the first floor that normally would be the guest room is used for office space. "We've outgrown our current offices, so I had to put one of my assistants up here," he says.
Product education manager Nikki Blahusch points to the comfy queen-size bed and says, "Don't worry, I'm too busy to take advantage of that."
Pelusi describes the style as neoclassic with a romantic, modern twist. "I like to take chances," he says. "This home embodies everything I'm about."
The floor of Pelusi's bedroom is slate, and the bed is encased by glass block. A walk-in closet and a full bath trimmed in dramatic white marble complete the space.
The kitchen features brushed stainless steel countertops and appliances, and there is a recessed dining area with seating for eight. The latter used to be the church's garage. "I think they pulled horses and buggies in here at one time," he says.
Pelusi, who used to live in a "nice, normal, older home in Squirrel Hill," says the church is perfect for his needs. "It was already zoned for a residence and photo studio, so there were no problems," he says.
He updated plumbing, added electrical outlets, sinks, styling chairs and a large vanity to the second-floor studio, a 2,600-square-foot space that is the heart of the home. There, the self-taught photographer conducts shoots for advertisements as well as classes and seminars for potential Pelusi stylists. Stark white walls and a black-and-white checkerboard floor provide the backdrop for models showing off Pelusi's latest cuts and styling products.
Because the stained glass windows on the second floor were in disrepair, Pelusi covered them. However, he added two others to allow natural light to enter.
The studio is complete with theatrical lighting and a professional sound system, as well as a large collection of wigs. "It's also a great place for a party," he says, cranking up the stereo.
Hidden in the former organ and choir loft, Pelusi has various workout equipment and a treadmill. In the summer, he takes advantage of a narrow spiral staircase that leads up to the old bell tower and a new deck with a fabulous view of the city, Mt. Washington and the area's numerous fireworks displays.
Although he splits his time between Pittsburgh and new ventures in New York City, Pelusi has carved a comfortable niche on the South Side.
Shortly after he bought the church, estimated to be about 100 years old, space in a corner building on nearby Carson Street became available for a new salon and offices. "For me, it's cozy, and it encourages creativity," he says of his residence. "It's synonymous with drinking wine, relaxing and reading a book. It's just a very comfortable, quiet space."
The thick walls of the former church block out some of the noise from traffic and South Side revelers, even during the summer street fair. Parking is not a problem, either. Two lots up, Pelusi has a two-car garage and driveway, and there's no grass to mow.
"I'm totally comfortable here," Pelusi says. "I love churches, especially old ones. I used to be an altar boy."
Open House highlights beautiful designs, creative interiors and challenging renovations in Pittsburgh-area homes. If you've found a solution for making the most of small rooms, have a unique theme in your interior design, recently completed a major renovation - or just live in an exquisite space - we'd love to hear from you. Call Karin Welzel at (412) 320-7885, or e-mail kwelzel@tribweb.com .
