The Legacy of Margaret Harris & the Home of Donia Designs

Did you know that the home of Donia Designs has roots dating back to the American Revolution?

Before vs After the Restoration of 1 S Bacton Hill Rd

Nestled in what was once the 18th- and 19th-century crossroads community of White Horse, the historic building we now call our headquarters is more than just a beautiful piece of architecture — it’s a living testament to the resilience, independence, and spirit of women, starting with one extraordinary woman: Margaret Harris.

The Story of Margaret Harris

Born in 1760 in East Whiteland Township, Margaret Harris came of age during one of the most turbulent times in American history. At 20, she married David Christie, but in a bold move far ahead of her time, Margaret chose to keep her own last name—a decision she carried with pride to the very end, even requesting it for her gravestone.

Margaret’s life was marked by resilience and strength. In 1782, she received reimbursements for “damages and loss sustained from the troops of the King of Great Britain during the war”, and her home is believed to have played a role in the Battle of Paoli. She lived with her daughter, Jane, in the home until her passing in 1843.

Described in The Harris Family Record as “a woman of exemplary piety, of great industry, and cheerfulness,” Margaret was a respected figure in her community and a devoted member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, where she is now buried. Today, Margaret’s home stands not only as a preserved piece of history, but also as a symbol of resilience and reinvention in the form of our commercial property.

The new home of donia designs

The house itself, built on land owned by her father, Thomas Harris, narrowly escaped demolition multiple times over the years. In 2008, it was lovingly rehabilitated into a commercial property and restored down to the original stone by local businessman Joe Forcine. And in 2022, it fatefully became the new home of Donia Designs.

We’re honored to continue writing the story of this historic commercial property by filling it with creativity, collaboration, and purpose. As a small, woman-owned business, Margaret Harris' legacy resonates deeply with us. She reminds us that the values we hold dear—independence, creativity, determination—are part of a lineage of strong women who built lives and communities with grit and grace.

We take pride in being a woman-owned business that draws strength from stories like Margaret’s. At Donia Designs, our girl gang—Kelly, Laura, Emma, and Shannon—carry that spirit forward. For over 25 years, we’ve brought innovative commercial flooring solutions to spaces across NJ, PA, and DE.

Whether we’re designing for hospitality, healthcare, education, or corporate environments, we infuse our work with the same industrious and cheerful energy Margaret once brought to this home. With decades of experience, our team’s expertise in commercial flooring design ensures every space we touch is functional, beautiful, and built to last.

Every day, we are reminded that being a woman-owned business means carrying forward a legacy of impact and intention. In a space once defined by the past, we now shape the future through our love for commercial flooring design. We like to think that Margaret Harris would be proud to see her home once again filled with strong, kind, and capable women—making their mark, just as she did over 200 years ago. After all, she knew the power of building something that lasts.

Here's to honoring the past while designing for the future!